RYAN Atkins says he is enjoying life on The Wire’s right edge despite initially being “sceptical” about switching sides.

Having made the left centre spot his own over the majority of his 250 appearances for Warrington, Atkins has been playing on the opposite side this year.

His partnership with winger Josh Charnley is blossoming, with Atkins putting the former Wigan man away for two of his three tries in Friday’s victory over Huddersfield Giants.

However, the 31-year-old said he was not convinced a move to the right edge would work for him and that it has taken more adjustment than fans may think.

“It is very different. It was 12 years since I played on the right so it took some adjusting,” he said.

“It wasn’t just that, it was the whole new structure that came with it as well.

“Even if I stayed on the left, it would have been a challenge in itself to adjust to what Steve wants from his centres.

“I think I’m getting to grips with it now, but I was sceptical at first.

“If you ask Lee Briers, he’ll say he’s been pushing me to play right centre for about six years!

“He’ll say that now anyway, but if I have a dip in form I’m sure he’ll say I should have stayed on the left.

“Hopefully now I’ve moved sides, and the flick pass becomes a little easier, I might rack up a few more assists.

“I’m enjoying it over on the right alongside Josh. I’m passing the ball more now because the old legs don’t quite have the speed anymore.

“I just give the ball to Josh and let him do the running.”

Tomorrow, Friday, Atkins looks set to continue in the centres as The Wire travel to Leeds Rhinos.

Despite being a boyhood Leeds fan, the former Wakefield man says he does not attach too much personal significance to the game.

“I just try and take it as a normal game. The days of me building up the game against Leeds Rhinos are gone,” he said.

“Going back to Leeds used to mean a bit more to me, but having played against them at Headingley so many times it isn’t as much as a big deal.

“My mum’s a proud Warrington fan now, but the rest of my family are Rhinos fans.

“I was a Rhinos fan growing up and my friends are all Rhinos fans, so it’s all banter now.

“I always like to see Leeds doing well, as long as it’s not to our cost at Warrington.”

The Wire were beaten 16-12 by Leeds at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in the opening game of the 2018 season, a match Atkins will remember for all the wrong reasons.

When presented with a chance to score, the centre attempted an ambitious dive over the try line and was bundled into touch and was the subject of some mockery from rugby league fans.

Atkins took it all in good jest, but says he will do things differently if the same opportunity presents itself tomorrow.

“Games against Leeds become a bigger deal if you do something silly like try to dive over the line from 10 feet out,” he said.

“I don’t get as much stick now about it. I’m sure it will come up this week though.

“If I do get the chance, I think I’ll be going low and early this time.”