Wheeler hoping for half-back future at Warrington

Warrington utility back Gary Wheeler is hoping that his stay at the Wolves extends beyond this season.

The 25-year-old is currently on a one-year deal at Warrington, having signed for them in the close season following his release by Saints.

Although he can play anywhere in the backs, Wheeler is hoping eventually to nail down a long-term spot in the half-backs.

“Stand-off is what I see as my best position,” he said.

“I just need a good run of games there to get used to how Warrington play. We’re only two games in and I’ve not played at half-back yet.

“But if I did get the chance there, I’d like to get a good run and really see what happens.

“I’ve played three games this year and I’ve played three different positions up to now.

“It’s a good thing to be versatile, but sometimes you can’t get the right position.

“I’m happy just to be in the 17, and getting used to playing with the other lads and the structures and the way they play.

“Playing in the three positions has helped me, because it’s given me a good look across the board at how everybody does play.

“We’re only a few games in, but everything up to now has gone fine.

“Performances have been alright up to now. I’m happy to be in the 17, I’d just like to push on now and get a starting spot each week.

“I’ll see what happens towards the end of the year, and I’d like to stay at Warrington a lot longer.”

Although Wheeler admits that leaving Saints, his hometown club, was something of a wrench, he is delighted to beat Warrington now.

“It was hard, don’t get me wrong,” he said.

“I love St Helens, it’s my hometown club. I grew up supporting them.

“For me personally, though, it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever done, I’ve got out my comfort zone.

“It’s given me a new lease of life, and I’m really enjoying training and playing my rugby here. It’s really good.”

Next up for Warrington is a trip to Perpignan to face the Catalans Dragons. Wheeler is expecting Catalans, with their half-back hinge of Scott Dureau and Todd Carney, to be successful this year.

“It doesn’t get any easier after St George,” he said.

“They’re always a tough game. They’ve got a massive pack and I think they’ve bought really well in their halves.

“There are not many better half-backs around than Dureau and Carney.

“So I think it’ll be a real tough test for us again, and I’m expecting big things from Catalans this year too.

“If we go over with the right mindset, we’ve got players capable of doing exactly the same thing.”