WHILE insisting he would like to start more games in the future, Joe Philbin says he has “found his role” as an impact substitute for The Wire.

The 22-year-old started out as a second rower having made his first-team debut in 2015, but broke through last year with his performances at prop.

He went on to represent Ireland at last year’s Rugby League World Cup and has now established himself as a key part of Steve Price’s Warrington team, missing just two games in 2018.

All of his appearances in 2018 have come off the bench and the former Latchford Albion junior says that is a role he is happy to continue playing.

“I’m really happy with the minutes I’m getting, but I just want to keep building steadily throughout the season,” he said.

“I think I’ve found my role as a bench player, giving us a bit of impact and freshness off the bench.

“I’ll carry on doing that every week for the lads.

“If I do ever get a start, I’ll have a good crack as well.”

Philbin is often joined on the bench by Tongan pair Ben Murdoch-Masila and Sitaleki Akauola.

Between the three of them, they have provided The Wire with some barnstorming impact from the interchanges, ensuring they lose no go-forward and power when the starting forwards come off for a rest.

Philbin is often sent on first and he says that suits him just fine.

“I’m always happy to get off the bench quickly, I’m a very nervous watcher,” he said.

“I’m always wracked with nerves on the bench so I’m keen to get on and get into the game.”

Following Sunday’s 32-30 win at Wakefield, The Wire are now without a game for two weeks due to the mid-season international break.

While teammates Chris Hill and Stefan Ratchford are in the United States with the England squad preparing for Saturday’s clash with New Zealand, the rest of the Wire squad are enjoying some time off.

Philbin, who missed Sunday’s game with illness, says they will “come back firing” ahead of their next game – a home match against Salford Red Devils on June 29 – and the remainder of the season.

“It will be good to get rid of a few niggles,” he said.

“It has been a long season so far, so we’ll all be glad of a bit of rest but we’ll come back firing.”