Newly installed Warrington playmaker Chris Sandow has hit out at Peter Sterling over the Parramatta great’s criticism of him.

Sterling called for the Eels to part ways with Sandow, after a number of below par NRL performances, shortly before he was granted a release by the Eels to move to Super League last month.

Respected NRL commentator and four-time premiership winner Sterling was particular critical of Sandow’s defensive efforts.

“You cannot be responsible for setting up two smashing tries but then be directly responsible for conceding three,” Sterling said at the time.

It is criticism that clearly still stings Sandow, with the 26-year-old taking the opportunity to return serve to Sterling as he was presented with his Wolves jersey in his first official outing for the club at their home ground of Halliwell Jones Stadium.

“Sterlo is a legend of the game, he’s got his own opinion but he’s probably done that a bit in his time too, set up a few tries and let a few in,” Sandow said.

“He didn’t play with any slouches in his team. He played pretty much with a whole Australian team behind him.

“With Ray Price in the forwards and Mick Cronin and Steve Ella doing all their stuff, Sterlo probably didn’t have to do much.”

Sandow also said he had overcome the gambling and drinking dramas that have plagued him for much of his career.

“That’s behind me,” Sandow said.

“It’s just the culture of the NRL. All the boys like to have a beer and a punt and I got caught up in the middle of it.

“It’s what football players like to do in their time off, and we’re entitled to our time off and to do whatever we want, when we want. There were plenty of blokes at my last club, and the one before that, that were probably worse than me, but I’ve got it under control and it’s all a fresh start here.