WARRINGTON Wolves have always been the number one choice for new signing Ryan Atkins.

The 23-year-old centre was finally unveiled as a Wolves player yesterday after months of speculation, completing a move from Wakefield worth around £150,000.

But, before arriving at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Atkins had also been subject to interest from hometown club Leeds, seemingly as a long-term replacement for Keith Senior.

Although flattered by enquiries, Atkins insists he would not have been tempted by an offer from the defending Super League champions and jumped at the chance to join Tony Smith's Warrington revolution.

He said: "I’m looking forward to it. This move came out of the blue for me.

"Leeds had been talking to Wakefield so I knew Wakefield were contemplating letting me go and the next thing my agent phoned up and said ‘Warrington have had an offer accepted for you, how do you feel?’ "Instantly I said ‘where do I sign?’ "No disrespect to Wakefield, I owe them a lot. They gave me my first opportunity in Super League and I’ve played there since 2006 and really enjoyed it.

"But for me personally, now I need to kick on with my career and this move to Warrington will do that, working with the great players they’ve got here.

"I can learn a lot from the guys here and obviously working with Tony Smith in the England set-up already, I’ve learned a lot off him.

"Over the last couple of years my performances on the pitch haven’t reached full potential and the move here to Warrington will achieve that."

Atkins still has unfinished business to complete with Wakefield before he joins his new club.

Wildcats have qualified for the play offs and although Atkins has already made a decision on his future, he remains completely focused on the task at hand with his current team.

He also believes the deal represents a positive move for both him and Wakefield.

"I think it was the right move for us both, me as an individual and Wakefield as a club," he said.

"They’re going to get a transfer fee for me so it’s going to help them, whether it be to bring in news players or develop the club.

"I owe them a lot, they’ve helped me out brilliantly throughout my career but now it’s time for me to kick on."

For a full interview with Atkins, read this week's Warrington Guardian, available Thursday.