IT is a little over five years since Matty Ashton’s move to Warrington Wolves was announced.

And back then, even the man himself could scarcely imagine what was to follow.

From feelings of “imposter syndrome” came an immediate first-team impact, battles with serious injury and eventually, international honours as his importance to the Wire team continued to grow exponentially.

Now, he is one of the first names on the team sheet when fit and, as he looks back on his journey since joining from Swinton Lions following a stunning 2019 season with them in the Championship, he reflected on how far he has come.

“My confidence has really lifted,” he said.

“I had a bit of an “imposter syndrome” feeling at first and felt like I didn’t really belong here, and that I was here by luck.

“As the years have gone on, I’ve got more experience and gained that inner belief that I can do it.

“Having experiences like playing for England and playing week in, week out with the lads that I do, it’s made me realise I do belong.

“I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

Following his debut at full-back in the opening game of the 2020 season against Wigan Warriors, Ashton immediately caught the eye with his electric speed.

However, his early days at The Halliwell Jones Stadium were blighted by injuries either side of the coronavirus lockdown.

When he was fit, he was battling with experienced players such as Stefan Ratchford, Josh Charnley and Tom Lineham in the positions he sought.

“A lot of it was getting my body right,” he said, reflecting on what perhaps held him back at the time.

“I had some bad injuries in the first couple of years because I wasn’t used to the training intensity and the day-to-day work.

“I’m still learning about that now five seasons in – doing your extras in training is all well and good but you’ve got to get everything right off the pitch to settle you on it.

“That’s what I feel I’ve really improved on.”

Since nailing his colours to the wing mast, however, he has barely looked back.

The past two seasons have seen him top the club try-scoring charts – something he is on course to do again in 2024 – while he has also scooped the club’s player of the year award for two years running.

While he admitted on Sky Sports’ The Bench podcast lately that a crack at the NRL appeals to him, he has since committed his long-term future to The Wire by signing a deal to keep him at the club until the end of 2028.

He will still only be 30 when that deal expires, but would spending his entire Super League career in primrose and blue be ideal for him?

“Definitely,” he said when asked that very question.

“It’s a really exciting time to be a part of this club – Sam (Burgess) and Gaz Chambers have changed a lot of things for the better and it’s something I want to be a part of.

“It’s a club that gave me my opportunity in Super League and I’m still striving to repay that with some silverware, which we haven’t managed to do yet. The fans deserve it.

“The people at the top of the club really look after you and since I’ve been here, I walk through the door with a smile on my face every day. That’s what you want to do in your day-to-day life.

“I just want to give back over the next few years.”