WARRINGTON Wolves’ first team coach Richard Marshall admits Anthony England took time to adjust to the rigours of professional sport.

The 27-year-old joined from Championship side Featherstone Rovers in the off season and signed an extended deal this week after impressing during his first season of Super League.

But Marshall said adapting to full-time sport from a nine-to-five working day can be difficult, as England discovered on Wolves’ pre-season tour to Australia.

“It’s a different mentality and different mindset,” said Marshall. “It took him some time to adjust, when we went to Australia he struggled with the full time environment.

“It’s pretty hard for three weeks being in camp when all you’ve known is nine-to-five going to work, you’re nine-to-five is then rugby.

“Anthony’s worked, doing part-time and grafted. I spoke to him about it at the time, but now he’s really got to grips with it and he’s playing well.”

Marshall also believes moving to the area has helped England settle down and find some form.

“He’s moved over to this area, which is great,” he added. “He’s bedding in now and has settled down with the minutes he’s getting and is finding some form at the moment.

“There are still some things he needs to improve on, he was in the Championship for a number of years and obviously the pace and physicality is different.

“That said, Chris (Hill) is the template for a Championship player who bided his time and came through, we’re trying to do the same with Anthony.

“He’s a big part of us for the future, not just on the field but off it as well. We’re looking forward to developing him.

“There are some quality players in the Championship, I played at that level for a couple of years towards the end of my career and really enjoyed it.

“You’ve got to get your scouting and you’re knowledge on the players, and not just on the field.”