WARRINGTON Wolves’ bid for immediate reinforcements finally looks set to bear fruit.
The Warrington Guardian understands there will be at least one new addition to the squad ahead of the recruitment deadline of August 4 – the last day upon which clubs can register players to feature during 2023.
The Wire have been looking for fresh blood in the forwards since Thomas Mikaele departed early for family reasons back in April, with the need for new faces reinforced by the mutually agreed departure of Josh McGuire after just seven games last month.
It is understood conversations have been had with Gold Coast Titans about Mikaele returning on loan for the remainder of the campaign, although it is thought the recent sacking of Titans head coach Justin Holbrook has complicated that situation.
With Warrington now on a two-week break from fixtures, the rumour mill has kicked into overdrive over the weekend with Wire also linked with moves for Dolphins prop Herman Ese’ese and Wakefield Trinity pack man Jordan Crowther.
Chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick says the club are keeping their options open with regards to immediate recruitment although he hinted a short-term loan signing seemed the most likely option.
“We are looking to bring in someone this year, but it would probably involve some unique circumstances,” he said.
“Without those, it will be players wanting 18-month deals at least potentially, so it has to be the right fit.
“We don’t want to panic and bring in someone for the sake of it because we need bodies.
“Having said that, we could look into someone who we feel can add some value on a loan until the end of the season but a lot of clubs are in a similar position.
“A lot are struggling in terms of their numbers so are reluctant to let players go unless it involves a swap deal maybe.
“We are exploring all angles, but it’s got to be the right fit.
“We’re trying and if we can bring someone in until the end of the season and it’s someone the coaches want, great.”
Warrington already have one new signing confirmed for 2024, with second rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon arriving from Newcastle Knights on a three-year deal.
Hooker Brad Dwyer is set to join him in a return to the club with whom he made his professional debut while centre Toby King appears likely to rejoin the squad having spent loans spells with both Wigan Warriors and Huddersfield Giants.
“We’ve been working on 2024 now for a while,” Fitzpatrick said.
“Obviously we have Lachlan Fitzgibbon secured and signed – there were five Super League clubs chasing him and I think he’s going to give us a lot of threat and dynamism out wide.
“That frees up Matty Nicholson to go to 13 – he’s a special talent at the age of 19 and that’s his preferred position.
“There’s a couple of others that we’re working on that we feel are going to be the right fit.”
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