GIL Dudson is free to feature in Warrington Wolves’ pre-season friendlies and the early rounds of the Super League season.

There had been doubt as to whether or not the Welshman – signed from Catalans Dragons for 2023 – would have to wait for his Wire debut due to a suspension picked up in his final game for the French side.

Dudson was sent off for a headbutt during the Dragons’ play-off loss to Leeds Rhinos last year and was subsequently given a three-match suspension by the Match Review Panel.

Warrington Guardian: Dudson is shown the red card by referee James Child during his final game for CatalansDudson is shown the red card by referee James Child during his final game for Catalans (Image: SWPix.com)

Given the prop was not named in the Wales squad for the Rugby League World Cup, there had been some confusion about whether or not his ban had been cleared.

However, it is understood The Wire have been informed by the RFL that Wales Rugby League "provided the necessary information" to say he would have been picked by head coach John Kear were it not for the suspension.

As a result of that, the ban is deemed to have been served and the 32-year-old is free to feature in both of Wire’s pre-season matches – Ben Currie’s Testimonial match against Leigh Leopards on February 4 and the clash with North Wales Crusaders on February 10 – and their Super League Round One meeting with Leeds on February 16.

Warrington will be the sixth permanent club of Dudson’s career after he previously represented Crusaders, Wigan, Widnes and Salford before joining Catalans for 2021.