JOSH Charnley admits he “wasn’t himself” in the early weeks of the 2021 season.

Now, though, he is intent on rediscovering the form that has marked him out as one of Super League’s most prolific tryscorers.

The winger has crossed three times for Warrington Wolves so far this season, including a four-pointer against Castleford Tigers last time out.

It comes off the back of a 2020 season where he scored just six tries in all competitions.

Charnley says problems away from rugby league meant he did not start 2021 how he wanted but he now feels he is starting to find his rhythm.

“I’m getting better,” he said.

“I wasn’t myself at the start of the season. I had a few issues off the field but I’ve started to find my rhythm and I’m enjoying it again.

“Hopefully we can kick on from here. Scoring tries is my job and hopefully I can keep moving up that try chart.”

Charnleys other two tries this season came against Hull KR. Picture by Mike Boden

Charnley's other two tries this season came against Hull KR. Picture by Mike Boden

Since returning to rugby league with The Wire partway through the 2018 season following a spell in union with Sale Sharks, Charnley has played almost exclusively on the right wing.

Recently, however, he has moved over to the left flank with Josh Thewlis taking up position on the right.

Having taken a bit of time to settle into a different unit, the 29-year-old England international says playing on the left has become “second nature.”

He also hopes being paired with centre Toby King – the club’s top tryscorer with nine in as many appearances so far – can help him return to his prolific best.

“It’s no different to me, just looking over your other shoulder,” he said.

“The left edge and right edge have different calls so that has taken a bit of getting used to, but you just fall into it and it becomes second nature.”

On King, he said: “He’s a big threat in the air and with his running game.

“It’s good to have someone like Toby at the side of me who can put me away. He steadies the ship defensive wise as well.”

Picture by Laurent Selles/Catalans Dragons/SWPix.com

Picture by Laurent Selles/Catalans Dragons/SWPix.com

The former Wigan man’s flying finish against the Tigers allowed him to move up to joint-fifth on the all-time Super League tryscorers list.

His 186th Super League try draws him level with his former Wire teammate Ryan Atkins, who was his centre partner for a spell when he first joined the club.

“I would have liked to have got a few more when Rhino was my centre,” he joked.

“Maybe that’s why he wouldn’t give me the ball as I was catching him up!"