Josh Charnley targets England return after signing for Warrington Wolves from Sale Sharks
Tuesday 20 March 2018 18:34, UK
Josh Charnley is keen to win back his England place after returning to rugby league with Warrington.
The former Wigan winger won seven caps for England and played in the 2013 World Cup.
Charnley switched codes to join Sale Sharks after helping Warriors win the 2016 Super League Grand Final but opted to cut short his stay with them after failing to claim a regular place in the side.
The 26-year-old, who has signed a deal with the Wolves to the end of 2020, says he made his decision after he was dropped despite playing a key role in Sale's 13-9 Premiership win over London Irish in February.
"I wanted to be successful in both codes," said Charnley. "Well I've tried it, I gave it a good go for 18 months and it just wasn't for me.
"I played against London Irish five weeks ago and that was the best game I've played in a Sale jersey.
"I got the players' man of the match, contributed to quite a lot of things and got dropped the week after.
"I haven't played since then. The competition for wing spots is heavy but the way it was, it was a downer for me."
Charnley says he rejected offers from three Super League clubs during his time in rugby union, including one from Warrington in November, although he concedes the time is now right to make the switch back to rugby league and the Halliwell Jones Staduium.
"Warrington came back and got the ball rolling," he added. "It happened so quick and now I'm here.
"I enjoyed my time in union, I wouldn't knock it if anyone wanted to try it. It's a good culture change.
"It opens up a bigger window, playing with people from Romania and Russia is good, and being part of that has probably made me grow.
"It's taken me out of my comfort zone and now I'm looking forward to getting back."
As for the possibility of playing for England again, Charnley admits he would love to be part of Wayne Bennett's plans.
"If I get a call off Wayne to say I've been added it would be a bonus," he said.
"My goal is to get picked for England again, there is no better moment than playing for your country, but I just really want to do well for Warrington."
