JOE Westerman has signed for Warrington Wolves on a three-year deal ahead of the 2016 season.

Wolves have paid Hull FC £150,000 to sign the 25-year-old back rower, who respresented England on last year's Four Nations tour.

He will be the second player to arrive at Wolves from Hull FC in the off-season, with the signature of winger Tom Lineham already sealed.

It is understood Wolves have beaten Leeds Rhinos to his capture.

Westerman, who began his senior career with Castleford Tigers in 2007 at National League One level, insists he is arriving at The Halliwell Jones Stadium to win silverware.

“It’s a new challenge for me," said Westerman.

"It’s a big club and one that’s on the up. Hopefully next year we can win some silverware and compete at the top of the table.

"That’s my ambition, it’s a good enough club and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be contesting for medals."

 


Westerman says he looks forward to working with Wolves' head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith, who he has previously played under at international level.

“When I was younger and with England I worked under Tony and I learnt a lot then so I am looking forward to learning from him again," he added.

"I’m good mates with Daryl Clark so it will be good to play with him again, obviously Tom Lineham - who has moved over too - and I played with Chris Hill with England as well, so I’m just looking forward to getting started and settling in.”

 


Westerman remained with the Tigers on their return to Super League after his breakthrough season, before signing for Hull FC for an undisclosed fee in 2010 ahead of the 2011 campaign.

He has gone on to make 128 appearances for the Black and Whites – including the 2013 Challenge Cup final at Wembley, after knocking Wolves out at the last-four stage - crossing for 29 tries, kicking 58 goals and one drop goal.

Having missed out on England’s 2008 World Cup campaign through a late injury he went on to play second row forward for England against Cumbria in an 18-18 draw in 2010.

Westerman was then selected in the England 2014 Four Nations squad and played loose forward in the 32-26 win over Samoa. Hooker Daryl Clark also made his England debut in the same match.

A Wolves statement said: “We are delighted to have signed Joe for the next three seasons.

"He is another example of our commitment to investing in young, British talent.

"He will be an ideal fit with many facets to his game and will complement the quality English players and upcoming juniors already in our 2016 squad.

"He is a young player with a lot of potential having already had some international recognition. We look forward to his further development and working with him next year.”

He joins Lineham, Kurt Gidley, Mitchell Dodds, Jack Hughes and Benjamin Jullien as new recruits for Super League XXI as Wolves look to cast aside a disappointing 2015 campaign.