Josh Charnley: Competition for places is driving the standards at Warrington

Warrington winger Josh Charnley says the battle for a starting shirt is helping drive the standards in first-team training.

The Wolves have recruited well in the off-season, bringing in Blake Austin, Jake Mamo and Jason Clark, amongst others.

With so many options at Steve Price’s disposal, the likes of Mamo, Sita Akauola and Luis Johnson have yet to feature competitively for the club in 2019.

Charnley admits that the competition for places has ramped up the intensity leading up to the game, and says he hopes it will translate into better performances on the pitch.

“Competition is good, you need that in a team to push and make yourself better,” he told loverugbyleague.com.

“Competition in this team is putting people on their toes now.

“We’re working harder and getting better, which is a bonus for everyone who’s playing and training, so it’s a good atmosphere at the minute.”

The 27-year-old returned to Super League last season after two seasons with Premiership Rugby Union side Sale Sharks, where he made 32 appearances.

Charnley has scored 27 tries since arriving at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and revealed he owes a debt of gratitude to head coach Steve Price for bringing him back to the sport.

He added that the ethos of the club made it easy for him and his family to settle in and hopes that his performances can aid his bid for an England jersey in the future.

“He [Steve Price] has given me the opportunity to come back to league and play for this club,” he said.

“He’s been good to me and is really good with the families. It’s a family run club so it makes it a bit easier at home with the missus!

“I’m able to just concentrate on doing well for Warrington and getting some silverware. If I get the phone call for England it’s even better, but getting silverware with this team is what we want.”