TONY Smith is confident new signing Joe Westerman can reach his potential at Warrington Wolves.

Smith coached the 25-year-old as a youngster in the England train on squad, but admits Westerman has failed to consistently hit the heights many thought he would.

Now Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby believes the back rower is in the right place for his development.

“I was involved with England when we picked him in the train on squad,” explained Smith. “I had some dealings with him and I liked him way back then.

“I’ve admired him as a player since and I think I’m fair to say, nothing that Joe wouldn’t agree with me or we haven’t discussed, he probably hasn’t reached his potential.

“He’s shown some of it at times and he’s shown he can be a top class player.

“He’s been involved in the England set-up on a couple of occasions throughout his career, but he probably hasn’t found the consistency in his game to really maintain that at the highest level.

“That’s what he’s looking to do with us. He’s really keen to do that and we’re keen to help him. He’s a very talented player and I’m hopeful he can reach the levels he’s after and the levels we’d like him to get to.”

The former Hull FC and Castleford man made Wolves aware of his interest in joining them, and Smith was happy to welcome him in primrose and blue.

“The opportunity arose,” added the 48-year-old. “Joe’s had some interest in us for a while. I’ve certainly watched his career and I’ve been a fan of his career.

“He can be really influential for us. He’s got some attributes I think will suit us. He can certainly play footy, offload and pass and has an awareness about attacking rugby.

“We want some of that. I think he needs to improve some areas of defence and he knows that, make sure that he’s stronger in that area.

“But the attributes he brings to us, as well as the improvement in some areas, means he’ll be a huge asset to us.”

Westerman’s arrival, along with that of Jack Hughes, means Wolves have plenty of options in the back row ahead of the 2016 season – Smith does not foresee further signings.

“We’ll have a little bit of leeway but not much,” he said. “We’re pretty happy with the squad we’ve got and the way it’s building, so we’re not actively recruiting at the moment.

“Joe was a fairly significant piece in the jigsaw that allows us to put certain people in certain positions more often and allows us some more scope.

“We’ve got really healthy competition in the back row now. A very talented back row competing for spots.

“That’s exciting and exciting for the players themselves, they’ve got competition from within and they recognise that.

“They’ll be battling it out to get into those back three positions and on the bench as well. We’re looking quite healthy there.”