I’m not here to make up numbers
SAINT LUTHER JOINS WOLVES
LUTHER BURRELL insists he always wanted to test himself in Super League after agreeing to switch codes and join Warrington Wolves.
The former England rugby union star will link up with Steve Price’s squad once his deal at Northampton finishes on July 1.
He has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract until November 2021.
Centre Burrell won the last of his 15 England caps in Australia three years ago, having missed out on the 2015 World Cup when league convert Sam Burgess was picked ahead of him.
The 31-year-old Yorkshireman said: “My background is predominantly in rugby league as I grew up in the north, in Huddersfield, surrounded by it and playing it at school.
“It’s never really left my blood. I guess my aim was to always try my hand at it one day and I’m buzzing to get involved with rugby league and Super League.
“I’m excited about the challenge ahead.
I’ve had some great times in rugby union and I’ve had some adverse times, so for me to have this opportunity to play rugby league and see how far I can get with a great team is exciting.
“I’ve watched rugby league throughout my career so to join a club like Warrington, who were finalists last year and have a fantastic squad, is exciting as it is a club going places.
“I hope to bring some physicality, that edge and the ability to break the line. I’ve had the opportunity to play for England in union and to play on some of the biggest stages in finals.
“I’d like to think I can transfer the experience I have gained into rugby league.
“I’m not here to make up the numbers – I’m coming over and I mean business.” Burrell’s capture continues Wolves’ recent trend of capturing high-profile recruits, having lured Josh Charnley back from the 15-man code last year and signing England half-back Gareth Widdop from the NRL for 2020.
Coach Price (inset) said: “He’s a quality signing, being a former England international who has played at the highest level in rugby union.
“He’ll have to get up to speed with new calls, different team-mates and a different game, so it will take a bit of time to transition.
“But he’s tall, athletic and can play in a number of positions, which adds a lot of depth to our playing squad.”