JOE Philbin reckons he has returned to Warrington a far better player following his recent loan stint at Odsal.

The stocky back-rower enjoyed a run of five games with Rohan Smith’s side, scoring two tries, before being recalled to the Wolves at the end of the regular season.

Philbin is optimistic he will now be given the opportunity to stake a fresh claim for first-team opportunities at his parent club.

The 21-year-old is under contract for another year at Warrington and could feature in their bid for silverware in the coming weeks.

“I'd like to think being recalled will mean that,” said Philbin.

“But one thing is for certain – I'm extremely grateful to Bradford for giving me the opportunity to play there for a month.

“I don't really know what the future will hold, but hopefully I'll get a run with Warrington now.

“They called me back at the end of the regular season and it's good for me personally.

“Have I become a better player from my time at Bradford? One hundred per cent.

“It was gutting to lose at Featherstone but they were the better team on the day.

“Rugby league is all about consistent game-time and you become better when you play week in and week out.

“It's not Warrington's fault – the system is letting players down and opportunities are scarce beyond the first-team level – but coming here to Bradford has really improved me.

“I'm still only young and with a good pre-season behind me, I can hopefully have a massive year next year at Warrington.”

Bulls players and staff, meanwhile, were still waiting to be paid yesterday as Smith prepares for Sunday’s trip to Whitehaven in the Championship Shield opener.