ROB Butler has been touted as an up-and-coming star of English rugby league having enjoyed a meteoric rise.

With his move to Warrington Wolves now being confirmed, though, he is determined to prove he is a player for the here and now.

On Tuesday, The Wire revealed the prop as their second new addition for 2021, with the 22-year-old joining from London Broncos on a two-year deal.

Having started 2019 playing for Coventry Bears in League One, he ended it in an England Knights jersey when he appeared against Jamaica having shone in the Broncos’ gallant but ultimately unsuccessful fight against relegation from Super League.

Warrington Guardian:

Rob Butler in action for England Knights against Jamaica last year. Picture by SWPix.com

It served to reinforce the opinion that Butler can handle the cut and thrust of top-flight rugby league and after the Covid-19 pandemic largely robbed him of his 2020 campaign, he is aiming to make up for lost time.

“I can’t wait,” he told the Guardian.

“Everything about the place and the attitude they have felt right for me.

“They win things – I said I wanted to go somewhere you can win trophies and play in a good team. I feel like Warrington fits that bill.

“Everything about the club points in the direction I want to go.

“I’d like to think I’m able to have an impact on the team straight away.

“I know I’m still very young and I have a lot to learn still, but I’m confident in what I can do.

“I think I’m aggressive enough to hold my own and thrive. If people fill that’s a void that needs filling, I’d like to think I can do it.”

Hailing from Rochester in Kent, Butler joins a small but growing number of Super League players born outside of the game’s traditional heartlands.

Having learned his trade at Medway Dragons before joining the Broncos academy, he now joins a Wire pack that contains internationally capped players.

“Being in a dressing room with the likes of Chris Hill and Mike Cooper will push me on but I know there’s plenty they can teach me,” he said.

“I grew up watching players like them so being in the same team as them will be weird.”

There is an elephant in the room, however.

With the 2021 season not expected to start until March following the delayed end to this year’s campaign, it will be almost a year between competitive matches for Butler.

London played just five matches in the Championship before the global pandemic forced the suspension – and eventually the cancellation – of rugby league below the top flight for the year.

Their last game was an 18-12 win over York City Knights on March 8, with Butler starting in the front row.

Warrington Guardian:

Rob Butler celebrates scoring a try for London Broncos earlier this year. Picture by SWPix.com

The new man admits keeping himself in shape has been tough but insists his lack of action will not have hindered his progress.

“That’s what pre-season is for,” he said.

“When I do get back out on the field, it’s not as if it will be the first time I’ve ever played.

“I’ll be fine and in full stride by the time next season comes around.

“With the gyms shutting on and off, it’s been a pain. I’ve managed to do my own thing at home and keep on top of things.

“I’ve done a lot of running and I’ve got an exercise bike at home that I’ve been doing a lot of work on.

“We’ve got a chin-up bar in the house as well for something different.

“I’ve done what I can and I’m feeling good about it.”