ANDRE Savelio admits he cannot wait to represent the town he grew up in and play alongside old friends after his move to The Wire was confirmed.

The talented 21-year-old second-rower, who can also play at prop, joins the club on a one-year deal from St Helens.

Savelio, who had a loan spell at Castleford during 2016, was born in New Zealand but grew up in Warrington, attending Cardinal Newman High School and playing his amateur rugby for Latchford Albion.

He says he has always retained a strong bond with Wolves despite playing for their rivals and said he always hoped this move may happen.

“When people ask where I’m from, I always say Warrington despite being born in New Zealand. I see this as my home town,” he said.

“I was in the club’s system until I was 14 and I used to go and watch games. I stood in the South Stand with my mates.

“I got goosebumps from the noise of the fans so running out wearing the shirt is something I can’t wait for.

“Coming back and playing for Warrington was something I always hoped I’d do and now I’m so pleased.

“As soon as Warrington made contact, my mind was made up. I knew this was the place for me.”

Savelio’s signing was announced on the same day as that of prop Dom Crosby, who joins on a two-year deal from Wigan.

Those two add to the signings of Mike Cooper and Matty Blythe, whose arrivals were confirmed earlier in the year.

Having played with new teammates Dec Patton and Joe Philbin at Latchford, Savelio admits he was starting to think playing with them again in Super League was getting less likely.

“We had some great times together playing at Latchford and I kept in touch with both of them.

“Dec in particular is a good mate. We went to school together so we’ve always been close.

“He’s been in my ear for a while about coming to the club so he was over the moon when I told him.

“You play together for all those years at Latchford and I thought we’d end up together again in professional rugby, but we went our separate ways and it became more likely that we’d be opponents for life!

“It will be great to play with them both again, if a bit surreal!”

Upon the announcement of the deal, Wolves head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith said Savelio was “in the mix” for a spot in the second row but stressed his ability to do a job up front as well.

Regular second rower Ben Currie will miss a portion of the 2017 season as he recovers from a serious knee injury and Savelio says that is where he would prefer to play.

He also expressed his excitement at working under Smith, about whom he has heard great things.

“I’m happy to play where Tony sees fit but, if I could choose, I feel second row is my best position,” he said.

“Ben was one of the form players in the competition last season so if I can get near his level I would be happy.

“If Tony sees me as a prop, that’s where I’m happy to play.

“I’ve been told great things about Tony by Dec and others at the club. They’ve told me about the way he works and how committed he is to improve his players.

“I can’t wait to work under him and see all of this for myself.”