Joe Philbin will earn a testimonial at the Warrington Wolves after signing a new contract earlier this year, but he had to do some thinking about it.
Warrington through-and-through, Philbin realised his aspirations as a youngster to become a Wolves star, especially through the trials and tribulations surrounding the hard work he had to put in to get there.
“I remember being younger at the club and I remember we used to run on this treadmill with a gas mask on and thought I’m doing this because I want to be a Warrington player,” Philbin told the Through The Wire podcast.
“I’m going to get my testimonial and it’s a dream come true.”
That being said, the Irish international has harboured a passion to go to Australia and play in the NRL, but, after a conversation with his partner, chose to stay at Warrington.
“I had aspirations to play in Australia and it’s always something I wanted to do.
“With this contract it would have been now or never, but, after speaking to my partner and I’ve just had a young lad we decided to stay in Warrington.
“We’re grateful for the deal in my hometown club and I’m so excited for the next few years.”
Philbin has been handed the number eight shirt by new head coach Daryl Powell as the Warrington Wolves enter a new era after four years of Steve Price at the helm.
