ADRIAN Morley has revealed that a single visit to The Halliwell Jones Stadium last season played a key part in his decision to sign for Wolves.
Morley, who has agreed to join the club from Sydney Roosters on a four-year deal from next season, was in Warrington last September to see Andrew Johns' debut against Leeds, having arrived back in England for a loan spell with Bradford that ended in Grand Final glory.
The memory of that Joey-inspired victory encouraged him to become the latest big name to sign for Wolves and the 29-year-old Great Britain international forward is now looking forward to making his debut for the club next season.
He said: "Signing Andrew Johns, who is the best player in the world, showed the kind of ambition they have, even if it was only a short-term loan.
"It showed what kind of club they are and when I came back last year the first game I went to was at The Halliwell Jones Stadium between Warrington and Leeds.
"That game impressed me. The atmosphere was great and the game probably went a long way towards my decision to come to Warrington now.
"I don't know whether it'll be quite like that for my debut but I'm looking forward to playing there."
Morley, who has made 21 Test appearances for Great Britain, turned down approaches from Wigan, Bradford and several other Super League clubs to sign for Wolves.
He also rejected a late offer of a two-year extension to his contract with Sydney in the NRL, where he has won the Premiership title and the World Club Challenge during a successful six-year spell.
He said: "It was always an intention of mine to come back to Super League at some point and I'm really excited about it.
"I had initially told my agent to seek out Leeds and Salford because I had had some good years at Leeds before going to Australia and Salford are my hometown club.
"But a lot of clubs were keen and Warrington really impressed me. They really sold the club to me.
"Warrington offered me four years and at this stage of my career it's good to have the security of knowing where I'll be playing for the next few years.
"I think I'm a better player than I was when I went to Australia. I've got plenty left in me and I believe I'm coming to a club capable of challenging for honours."
Morley, whose elder brother Chris played for Wolves in 1998, has said he is happy to play as a prop or as a second rower.
He has also expressed an interest in joining Wolves in time for this season's Super League play-offs if Sydney, currently 11th in the NRL, fail to make the top eight at the end of their season, although salary cap issues may have to be overcome.
But such a scenario would keep him in action ahead of the Tri-Nations, which he expects to feature in before undergoing an operation on snapped wrist ligaments.
The recovery period of 10 weeks should allow him to return in time for the start of Super League XII.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article