AS he prepares for his Testimonial match this weekend, Joe Philbin can do so knowing his Warrington Wolves future is secure.

The Wire have confirmed the prop, whose decade of service to the club will be celebrated when Leigh Leopards visit The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday, has penned a two-year extension to his contract with the club.

The 29-year-old had entered the final year of his deal but has now committed his future to his hometown club until November 2026.

Philbin will enter the 2024 campaign just four appearances short of 200 for The Wire under his fourth permanent head coach in Sam Burgess, who he says played a big part in what was a straightforward decision to extend his stay.

“I’m over the moon to have signed a new deal and it was an easy decision to make,” he said.

“I feel at home here and I love playing for this club.

“Sam (Burgess, head coach) has come in and is another reason it was an easy decision for me to re-sign.

“I already feel like he’s brought my game on leaps and bounds – I’ve been soaking up all of his knowledge and I feel like he’ll be really good for my game over these next few years.  

“I’m really excited for this weekend now and it’s going to be very special for me to celebrate my Testimonial.

“A lot of hard work has gone on during our pre-season. It’s been really tough and we’re ready now for the challenge against a quality side in Leigh to show where we’re at.”

Philbin’s 196 appearances for Warrington have yielded 14 tries, while he has helped the club lift the 2016 League Leaders Shield and the 2019 Challenge Cup, a campaign in which he scored tries in both the semi final and the final.

His exploits have earned him international recognition for Ireland, England and Great Britain and Burgess is delighted to be keeping him around.

“It’s wonderful to secure Philbs for another two years, especially leading into his Testimonial season,” he said.

“He has had a wonderful pre-season and I can’t wait to see what the next phase of his career brings with the Wire.”