HE has speed in abundance, but now Matty Ashton’s focus is on adding size and power for his first season with Warrington Wolves.

Ashton, who finished as the Championship’s top tryscorer and young player of the year for 2019, has joined up with his Wire teammates for pre-season after joining from Swinton Lions on a two-year deal.

The utility was among the group of predominantly younger players who were the first to report back for training ahead of the main bulk of first-team players.

Now he is in the full-time environment, he is keen to make the most of it.

“It’s my first professional pre-season. It’s going really well and I’m enjoying it,” he said.

“It’s been a tough challenge for me but I’m looking forward to meeting everyone when they come back in. The place is bouncing already, though.

“The environment is obviously a lot different – everything we need is here.

“The training itself has been a lot tougher than I’m used to and there’s more experienced coaches helping you out.”

Ashton burst onto the scene with the Lions this year having been picked up from amateur side Rochdale Mayfield at the start of the season.

He spent the previous season in Australia playing on the border of Queensland and New South Wales with Mullumbimby Giants.

He ended with 30 tries, including five in the final game of the season against 1895 Cup winners Sheffield Eagles.

His impressive haul includes several long-range efforts as his blistering pace allows him to leave defences behind.

However, while he backs his pace, the 21-year-old knows speed alone will not suffice in the top flight.

“Speed is definitely my main trait,” he said.

“I love getting the ball in a bit of space. If I do, I’ll back my speed.

“I know I’ve got to get a bit more physical now and I’m putting the work in this off-season to try and do that.

“I want to keep my speed with it, but the lads in Super League are much bigger so I need to be able to stand up against them.

“It’s hard work and it’s a difficult balance to find, but it’s got to be done.”