Lee Radford believes Joe Westerman will live a “career of regret” if his move to Hull FC fails.
The 28-year-old secured a return to the club last month on a deal until the end of the season after being released by Toronto.
Despite making a big-money move to the Wolfpack, he struggled to adapt to life out of Super League and made just six appearances for Paul Rowley’s side.
After a forgettable spell at Warrington and an unsuccessful one with the Wolfpack, Radford acknowledged that the England international has a point to prove at the KCOM Stadium, and failure to do so could see his talent go to waste.
“I think it would be a career of regret,” said Radford.
“I don’t think I’m wrong in saying that. If this one doesn’t work out, ultimately that’s what it will be.
“Look, I haven’t got a crystal ball but I don’t know where else Joe could go to after us.
“He’s desperate for this move to work and we’re really keen for it to work. It was a no-brainer really.
“He knows where he’s at in his career and what’s at stake if it doesn’t come to fruition.”
Radford claims that Westerman is keen to impress, but will have to await his opportunity to do so with the club not satisfied with his physical condition.
“The minimum will be three weeks before he’s ready,” said Radford.
“He’s going to have to do a pre-season in the season, but I trust the conditioning staff. For him to play his best football he has to be at a certain level physically. There’s no rush, we’re not in desperate need of anything now, so it’s a luxury.
“I don’t know what he’s coming in at, but I think you can tell by looking at him that he needs to drop a few kilos, but I trust our conditioning staff to do that.
“The only risk for me is that physically we have to get him in good shape. That’s the only challenge. But there are no dramas and we had no issues.”
