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."
@joewesty13787 Welcome to Warrington Wolves
— Pauline Jones (@wirepolly) October 20, 2015
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.”
Hull FC have announced the departure of Joe Westerman to Warrington #SuperLeague #RugbyLeague pic.twitter.com/5n24Yss7JH
— Super League Clubs (@SLClubs) October 20, 2015
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.
@wolvesrl splashing the cash this off season, another £150,000 for Joe westerman, Westwood, Hughes/Currie and westerman in back row!#solid
— Ian knott (@ianknott_13) October 20, 2015
@wolvesrl @joewesty13787 Great signing, well done Wire and welcome to the club Joe
— Aaron Mahoney (@AaronMahoney86) October 20, 2015
— Joe Westerman (@joewesty13787) October 20, 2015
@joewesty13787 good luck at Wire Joe, hope it all works out well for you
— shane greaves (@GreavesShane) October 20, 2015
Welcome to @wolvesrl @joewesty13787 Cant wait to see you play #hardwired @SuperLeague Already excited about next year! #warringtonwolves 🏈🏈
— Paul Robinson (@wire_paul) October 20, 2015
Thanks for the text @joewesty13787 can't wait to see you in @wolvesrl colours 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/1P5BrNk9xp
— Chris (@A_Wire_Abroad) October 20, 2015
@mickey_j27 Joe Westerman on board! That is all.... #wire
— Mark Grimward (@sparkai) October 20, 2015
Good signing for Warrington that I've always rated @joewesty13787 as a very good player
— Ashley Unsworth (@AshUnsworth89) October 20, 2015
Welcome to the Wire @joewesty13787 looking forward to seeing you in the P&B! #WestyIsAWire
— Mat Thomas (@mat_wire) October 20, 2015
Happy with Joe Westerman signing for #wire should have signed him years ago. Need another prop still
— Sam Rowlett (@samkrowlett) October 20, 2015
Welcome to the family @joewesty13787 #OnceAWireAlwaysAwire 👌🏻#wire #hardwired @wolvesrl
— Adam Peacey (@AdsClobberUK) October 20, 2015
Ok, I didn't see us signing Joe Westerman. Good move.
— James Williams (@LoneDragoon90) October 20, 2015
Westerman's a quality signing, top player and can kick goals for fun, welcome to Warrington @joewesty13787
— Ads Sherlock (@AdsSherlock) October 20, 2015
Would like to thank @joewesty13787 for his time at Hull FC and wish him the best of luck at Warrington and beyond! pic.twitter.com/DQAeyvvSFU
— Hull FC News (@HFC_NEWS) October 20, 2015
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