BODENE Thompson has his sights set on earning a longer-term deal with The Wire.

The New Zealander joined Warrington yesterday, Wednesday, after securing a move from Championship side Leigh Centurions.

He arrives at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on a deal until the end of 2018, but the utility forward admits it would be “a no-brainer” if he was asked to stay beyond that.

In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, the 29-year-old also says it is immediately clear that he has joined a club that “thrives on excellence.”

“I can’t really think about the future too much. I’m here to help the club move in the right direction first and foremost,” he said.

“It’s out of my control. All I can do is put my best foot forward.

“Having said that, when you come to a club like this, you want to stay there. It would be a no-brainer if I was offered a longer deal.

“I’ve always known Warrington is a team that is always up there threatening.

“As an organisation, it’s clear how professional the place is from very early on.

“Everyone wants to be here and it’s a club that thrives on excellence. With all that in mind, it was a no-brainer when I got the call.

“It all happened very quickly, which is good in a way.

“We got told at Leigh that things weren’t looking good for next year. Because we didn’t have anything on the line, I looked into my opportunities.

“It all moved very fast so it was good to just get it done.

“I can’t look back now, I have to look forward and do the best I can for these next few months.”

Thompson, who turns 30 next week, will not be involved in tonight’s trip to St Helens and is also cup-tied for next Sunday’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Leeds Rhinos.

This means his Wire debut will come in the first round of the Super 8s at the earliest, but Thompson says that could be a blessing.

“I’ve got work to do to get used to my teammates, the staff and all the plays,” he said.

“I need to blend in, so having this couple of weeks is a bit of a bonus.

“It’s unfortunate that I can’t get out there straight away, but I’m looking at it positively.

“This way, whenever I do come in I’ll know my role is clear and I’ll understand what is best for the team.

“There’s a few familiar faces, but the rest of the guys cracked onto me straight away.

“The jokes were flying from minute one and I was straight in there not being shy.”

“The team is going well this year, so it will be good to see what develops in the next few months.

“It’s always a challenge to make sure you are putting yourself in the highest regard with those around you.

“If we’re not doing that as individuals, you won’t get the results you want.”

Thompson has played 24 Championship games for the Centurions this year but has plenty of top-flight experience having played for Gold Coast Titans, Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors in the NRL.

He says he has always fancied a crack at Super League and that Wolves fans can expect to see him “never backing down” in primrose and blue.

“I didn’t come over here to play in the Championship, but things turned out that way,” he said.

“It’s good to be up in Super League now and I can’t wait to get stuck in.

“I pride myself on never backing down. I will stick in there until the death and I will not go down without a fight.

“That has always been my motto. I will always put the team first.

“Wherever the team needs me, I’ll play there.

“I spoke about that with Steve and I’m happy to do whatever he needs me to do.”