Cornthwaite departed former club Adelaide United in 2011 to join South Korean side Jeonnam Dragons and subsequently Malaysian club Selangor FA before signing for the Wanderers in July.

“The professionalism has gone to the next level, I think Western Sydney is a club that’s at the forefront of that and it’s been a very hard pre-season,” Cornthwaite said.

“I’ve enjoyed being back and I’m looking forward to the challenge for the rest of the season.

"I know there’s a lot more to come for me and just my first game in the A-League after six years so hopefully next week onwards and upwards from there.”

The Wanderers’ fell 4-0 in their season opener to neighbours Sydney FC in the first derby at ANZ Stadium which attracted over 60,000 fans.

Cornthwaite also denied there was any malicious intentions as he took out Bobo at the half hour mark causing a melee to erupt.

The game was locked 0-0 at half-time a before the Sky Blues pegged two quick goals early into the second term and while the 30-year-old was gracious in defeat, he believed they were unlucky at times.

“I don’t think it was (4-0 wasn’t a true reflection), but I didn’t watch the game, I was out there playing,” he said.

“If we take a couple of our chances and they take a couple of theirs, then it ends 2-2 or something like that.

"In saying that we have to give credit to where credit is due and we’ll go back to training field now and get ready for Adelaide next week.”

The 30-year-old also spoke of the atmosphere at ANZ Stadium and apologised to the Wanderers fans who turned up.

“Fantastic (atmosphere), it was mainly the Western Sydney fans are out there supporting, it’s disappointing we couldn’t send them home with a win,” he said.

“I’m sure they’re disappointed, but this club has got a proud history and is always up there competing with the boss we’ve got in charge everyone knows Western Sydney is going to be a team to reckon with.”