LUTHER Burrell knows his Warrington Wolves debut is just the start of a long journey in rugby league.

The rugby union convert came off the bench for the final 20 minutes of Saturday’s 36-6 win at London Broncos for his first taste of the 13-man code professionally.

He played at right centre and while he did not get much of the ball in an attacking sense, Burrell was pleased with how his Wire bow went.

> More pictures of Burrell on debut

That was, however, after he had overcome a few pre-match butterflies.

“There were huge nerves – I’m a proud guy and I didn’t want to let anybody down,” he said.

“I said to Steve that part of my game is that can make some good defensive reads to change the momentum of a match.

“That’s part of my skillset but I want the ball in my hand.

“You can do as much conditioning as you want to try and replicate a game, but you can’t get your match fitness that way.

“I was a frustrated sub in the first half because I wanted to get on but our defensive performance really shone in that second half.

“They were camped on our line and we showed some real courage to keep them out.”

Burrell’s switch to rugby league came after a successful union career that saw him represent England 15 times.

He joined up with his new Wire teammates last month and has been training intensively to get himself familiar with the basics of the game.

Once he got on the field, Burrell credited those around him for helping him through.

“It was a great first half performance from the lads,” he said.

“It’s not an easy place to come and get a victory so we really had to do our homework. They are a dangerous side who have turned over some big teams.

“On a personal level, I can’t tell you how proud I am to represent this great club.

“The lads and staff have all been great with me and I’m just happy to be on the ladder now.

I didn’t really have any goal in mind as to how quickly I wanted to play.

“For me, I back my ability but it was about my knowledge of the game.

“On that front, I’m lucky to be surrounded by some quality players that have been great with me.

“I’ve still got a long way to go – it’s a step on the ladder and I have to keep climbing now.

“I don’t want to get comfortable or complacent. I want to keep pushing myself.”