GARY Wheeler believes his versatility will be vital this campaign, but hopes to nail down a consistent starting spot at Warrington Wolves.

A new arrival at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in the off-season, the 25-year-old has been named in Tony Smith’s match-day squad for all three opening games.

Those outings have seen the former St Helens man feature at full back, centre and stand off, while getting the minutes he craved after an injury-plagued career at Langtree Park.

“That’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’ve had a good pre-season, given it my all and Tony’s shown faith in giving me a 17 spot each week,” said Wheeler.

“We need a big squad in Super League so at some point in the season you’re going to play a role you’re not familiar with.

“For me personally, it’s a good thing I’m adaptable and can play a lot of positions, probably not as well as Stef (Ratchford) at full back, but I think I can easily fill in – the same with Kev (Penny) and Matty Russell, we’ve got that across the board.

“My next step is to get a starting spot and hopefully pin it down and stay there.”

Saturday will see Wheeler back at Stade Gilbert Brutus, where he was part of a Saints side that lost 42-0 last year.

“We got embarrassed there and I’d like to make amends going over with Warrington this year and get the win, which I’m sure we’re capable of doing,” he added.

“I’ve been on a few good results over there in my time, but Catalans are a side that can do that to you if you don’t turn up.

“The teams have really stepped up this year and it doesn’t get any easier for us this week going over to Catalans, it’ll be another physical battle and another great test for us.

“Everybody’s expecting them to do well. They’ve signed big players and spent a bit of money and that’ll show come the end of the season.”

Wheeler is confident Wolves will deal with travelling to France at this stage in the season, and feels it can be more of a problem for the Perpignan outfit.

“It is tough, the travel, and I don’t know how the boys there get on,” he explained. “It’s hard work for them and their families – over here a couple of days every other week.

“We only have to do it the once, they have to do it week in, week out.”