HAVING called Warrington home for a few weeks now, Chris Sandow is enjoying a new lifestyle, a different style of rugby league and is looking forward to his first derby day against Wigan on Friday.

The Queensland-born half back has two appearances under his belt, but he’s now looking for victory in his home debut after defeats at Leeds and Castleford.

He said: “I think a lot of people did expect big things from me straight away but it takes time.

“It’s tough being a half and having to direct the boys around when I don’t know the players.

“Hopefully we can start winning games now and if we can’t do enough this year then hopefully we can do a lot better next year.

It’s not just new players that Chris has had to get used to though, as the move to play in the Super League has seen a completely different pace of rugby.

Chris said: “They play a good brand of footy over here, it’s nice and fast so it’s something I’ve got to get used to.

“Everything takes time – things aren’t built overnight so I’ve got to take my time and not overplay my hand.

“We’ve got some really good players that I can learn on the way with.

“I’ve just got to get used to the pace and once I get that I think we’ll do something but we’ve got a young squad and the future’s bright at Warrington Wolves.”

And Chris is settling nicely into his new home in Stockton Heath – which is only 17,000km away from his former stamping ground of Parramatta.

He said: “It’s quite different, it’s just hard to believe that I’m on the other side of the world because I grew up in a small aboriginal community.

“I’m settling in really good, the boys are welcoming which is really good and we’ve been getting on really well.

“It’s always tough going to a new place but I’m fitting in really well and I’m really excited to be here.”

“It’s a good journey that I’ve been through so far and I’m looking forward to the future and to keep going out and playing my best for the Warrington Wolves.

“It’s a good area, everything’s all close which is good and it’s not far from training.”

On Friday night Chris will get his first taste of the famous Warrington versus Wigan rivalry, and is expecting a lot of noise from the stands.

He said: ““I can’t wait, the boys have been saying how much our supporters get behind us and always turn up in numbers at home games so I’m really excited about that opportunity – running out on the field and hopefully getting a win for them on Friday.

“There’s big games over there but I think the fans over here get behind their teams really well with the drums and all that stuff and all the singing so I’m excited to run out there on Friday night with the boys and hopefully put in a good performance.”

While Chris is getting ready to take on the pies on Friday night he hasn’t yet sampled the signature dish of the North West.

He added: “I’ve not had a pie yet – I’ll have to get around to one and taste one soon.”

VIDEO: Watch Chrissy get in some practice with the pie smashing