THERE are few – if any – prouder to pull on the Warrington Wolves jersey than Joe Philbin.

Warrington born-and-bred, the prop has been with The Wire since the age of 15 and has gone from up-and-coming prospect to established first-team star in that time.

Now 26 years of age and with a new long-term deal signed and sealed, he is primed to take the next step in an increasingly impressive career.

The three-year extension to his contract which was confirmed this week keeps him at the club until November 2024 at the earliest, by which time he will have just turned 30.

So with that in mind, does he see himself spending his entire career with the club he loves?

“The thought of being able to do that certainly excites me,” he told the Guardian.

“I’ve been at this club since I was 15, so it’s 11 years already and it will be 16 by the end of my deal.

“To be able to say I’ve spent my full career at my hometown club would be absolutely brilliant.

“I don’t think many people get to do that so the romantic in me hopes that could be the case.”

Like several of his teammates, Philbin returned to pre-season training earlier this month in the knowledge that he was entering the final year of his existing contract.

Such a scenario could either increase motivation or anxiety with their future on the line but thankfully from his and the club’s point of view, the issue in Philbin’s case can now be firmly put to bed.

His focus can now return to helping his side finally end their wait for a Super League title and looking further ahead, earning a place in Shaun Wane’s England squad for the season-ending Rugby League World Cup on home soil.

“We’ve been talking back-and-forth for quite a while, but there was no rush for me,” he said.

“Last year I just wanted to focus on my rugby and not worry about that side of things too much.

“It just fell into place nicely in the off-season. Once we started talking, I knew it was staying.

“I’m just happy to have it over and done with so I can go back to concentrating on my rugby again.

“As much as you try and act like it doesn’t play on your mind, it does.

“You worry about getting injured and suddenly, you might not get be as valuable to the team as you were.

“With that in mind, I’m glad to get it done in the off-season and get back to having tunnel vision towards improving.”