Greenwood: Why I opted for Wigan Warriors

The second-rower – a mid-season recruit from Gold Coast Titans – is set to arrive in England this weekend.

And the 25-year-old is already eyeing next Thursday’s home match against Leeds as a possible date to make his debut.

Several clubs were keen on bringing Greenwood home after he dropped out of the frame at the Titans, having figured in 22 NRL games last year.

He said: “Wigan ticked all the boxes.

“My brother (James, now at Hull KR) started his career there so I know about the culture, and he said I’ll enjoy it.

“I had a few options and I narrowed it down to three or four early on, and Wigan were pipping it from the start.

“I just like the way they play for each other. There are no egos and they have each other’s back. They fight for each other.”

Greenwood, 25, was already in talks with Wigan about joining next season – almost certainly as a replacement for John Bateman, who is tipped to move to the NRL – when he got the chance to make an immediate move

“It’s happened so quickly, it hasn’t sunk in yet,” he said.

“My intention was to see out the season and get ready for next year. But when I spoke to Ian Lenagan and Kris Radlinski, it was a no-brainer for me (to come back early).”

His capture was warmly greeted by fans, who remembered his strong performances for St Helens before he left for the NRL.

Despite being frozen out by Titans coach Garth Brennan this year, he has enjoyed his time in Australia.

“I played 22 of 24 games last season and the two I missed were through injury, but I never got the opportunity under the new coach,” said Greenwood, a friend of Dan Sarginson from their time at the Titans together.

“A coach wants their players and it’s their choice, I understand that, but I can look back and think I had a good go at it.

“I had no intention of coming back but it’s a short career and at the end of the day you’ve got to look at opportunities when they arise.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on Wigan and they are second in the ladder, and still fighting.

“Hopefully I can add a bit of strike. I spoke to Shaun Wane and he said he can’t wait to get me on board. My main spot is back-row but I’m happy to play in the middle, anywhere.

“I’m just looking forward to meeting the lads and getting started now.”

As expected, Wane has named Liam Paisley and Josh Woods in his 19-man squad for tomorrow’s clash at Castleford. Liam Farrell is also included but is “60-40”.