RICHIE Mathers is looking forward to a fresh start after signing for Warrington Wolves.

On the same day Martin Gleeson departed The Halliwell Jones Stadium for Wigan, Mathers moved in the opposite direction on a two-and-a-half year deal after being released from his Warriors contract.

The 25-year-old full back endured a frustrating 17 months at Wigan, who he joined from NRL side Gold Coast Titans in November 2007.

After struggling for form last year, Mathers has only played one game during the current campaign, the season opener against Wakefield.

But he is excited to be given the chance of a fresh start with Warrington, where he has spent two previous spells - first as a 13-year-old academy member and then on loan from Leeds Rhinos in 2002.

The chance to link up once more with Wolves boss Tony Smith also held major appeal for Mathers, having won the Super League title under the Australian at Leeds.

Although he is currently sidelined after a hernia operation, which should keep him out for a further 10 days, Mathers will meet his new teammates on Wednesday and can not wait to get going.

He said: "When I found out the interest from Warrington was real, I knew it would be a great move for me.

"I've always had a soft spot for the club.

"It's a fantastic club, there's a lot of great people there and it's a great squad of players.

"My relationship with Tony Smith made it even more appealing, I'm looking forward to a new challenge.

"I'm linking up with my new teammates on Wednesday but I wish it was sooner. When Tony told me the players weren't in on Tuesday I was gutted because I just want to get going as soon as possible."

For more from Mathers on his Wolves, pick up this week's Warrington Guardian.