NEW signing Joe Westerman hopes to help build a winning culture at Warrington Wolves.

The 25-year-old back rower has agreed a three-year deal at The Halliwell Jones Stadium after Wolves paid Hull FC £150,000 for his services.

And Westerman, who got his first glimpse of the club’s facilities this week, is excited to join a young squad he believes is brimming with top talent.

“I’m chuffed with the deal and it’s a big move for me,” said the former Castleford man.

“I can’t wait to get started and get in with the lads for pre-season. The club is building and they’re a big club with a big fan base.

“There are young players here; me and Tom (Lineham) are still young, Daz Clark, and there’s Ben Currie who is playing for England at a young age.

“We can build a bit of a culture and if we do what Tony (Smith) wants us to do then the club is only going to go up – it’s something that the fans will be looking forward to.”

Westerman has worked under Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby before, as a youngster with England, and is confident Warrington is the right place to continue his development.

“When Warrington approached me, it was a club that is on the up and so for my career and for my family I think it’ll be good,” explained Westerman, whose England chances were curtailed this year by an injury sustained against Wolves.

“It’s a big change for me and a change that I needed in a way. This year at Hull I had a tough season with a few injuries.

“Last season was really good, getting picked for England, but this season was a bit tough.

“I’m still learning, and working under such good coaches as Warrington have got will be good for my career.

“England is now at the back of my mind, with this move it’s a new challenge for me and I want to get back to playing well again.

“That will take care of itself, England, if you’re playing well and the team is going well that picks itself.”

A fit-again Westerman offers Wolves a different option at loose forward, something he has spoken at length about with Smith.

“I had a good long chat with him and spoke about things I had to work on,” he added. “I’m committed to what we talked about and really looking forward to getting started.

“I worked with Tony when I was about 18 or 19, a lot has changed since then, I was only young, but it was good working with him then and I’m looking forward to learning under him again and playing my best rugby.

“I’m back fit, ready to get training and ready to have a big pre-season to try and work my way into the team for next year.”