Warrington Wolves make move for Australian forward

WARRINGTON Wolves have signed Australian forward Lachlan Fitzgibbon from Newcastle Knights on a three-year deal from next season.

Fitzgibbon, 29, has made 112 appearances in the NRL and is the club’s first new signing for the 2024 campaign.

There had been talk of the Wolves making an immediate signing, following the departures of Thomas Mikaele and Josh McGuire, but fans will have to wait to see their newest recruit in action.

Fitzgibbon said: “It’s been in my vision for the last couple of years to make the move over to Super League.

“They play a really good brand of rugby league in the UK which I feel will suit my game. At 29 I want to come over while I still have my best years in front of me.

“The history of the club and how important the club is to the town and the people of Warrington really resonated with me. I’m from a town over here in Newcastle and it’s full of passionate people who love their footy.

“Michael Monaghan is one of our Assistant Coaches at the Knights and spoke very highly about the club. I know Kurt Gidley too who’s a Newcastle legend. Kurt spoke so positively about the club and town. Hearing how much he enjoyed his time over there really made me feel comfortable about the decision and the move to England.

“I’m looking forward to getting over there and meeting the Warrington fans.”

Warrington Wolves Head Coach Daryl Powell added: “Lachlan is a quality player and is a great signing for us for a lot of reasons. I’ve had really good, positive conversations with him. He’s a top-class back-rower who’s been consistent over there in the NRL for a number of years now. He runs great lines and is a great professional. He’ll be a great addition for next season and the Warrington fans will love what he’ll be able to deliver.

“Matty Nicholson will move to 13 in the middle of the field and he’s really positive about that switch too.”