“I THINK this is the first time I’ve got to the last year of a deal, so it’s pretty strange.”

Robbie Mulhern is one of several Warrington Wolves stars whose future now comes into sharp focus.

Being in the final year of his contract, the prop is now free to speak to rival clubs about a move for 2023.

If given the opportunity, however, the former Hull KR man’s preference would be to extend his spell at The Halliwell Jones Stadium into a third year.

“I would like to stay,” he said.

“I really get on with the lads, it’s a great group and I love living round here too.

“I have been thinking about it a bit but I try not to let it affect how I play.

“I don’t mind – it’s part and parcel of sport. You’ve got to be thick-skinned and understand that sometimes, things like this happen and what will be will be.

“I know if I play well enough, I’ll earn myself a deal somewhere.”

With long-serving former captain Chris Hill having left the club prior to the 2022 season, a spot in the starting front row alongside Mike Cooper was there to be filled.

Mulhern has been Daryl Powell’s preferred choice to do so when fit, with nine of his 11 appearances so far coming from the start.

The 27-year-old believes being in the thick of the action from the word go brings out the best in him.

“I always thought of myself as a starter and able to grind out those big minutes,” he said.

“I did enjoy my role last year – you don’t really mind coming off the bench when you’ve got two of the best props in Super League starting in Coops and Chill (Chris Hill).

“With Chris leaving, I set myself a challenge to really grab that starting spot and I’m glad to have nailed it down.

“I’m playing more minutes and I feel more able to show what I can do.”