MATTY Nicholson’s move to the NRL for next year has now been officially confirmed.

Warrington Wolves have announced the back-rower's impending departure to take up a three-year deal with Canberra Raiders, with the move to take place at the end of the 2024 season.

Following last night's victory over Leeds Rhinos, head coach Sam Burgess confirmed in his post-match interview with Sky Sports that Nicholson was bound for Australia and now, both clubs have confirmed the deal.

The Wire say they have received “a significant transfer fee” from the Raiders for the services of the England international, who was under contract until the end of 2025.

> We spoke exclusively to Matty Nicholson about his move to the NRL here

Chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick admitted losing the 20-year-old to Australia was always a possibility when they signed him from Wigan Warriors midway through the 2022 campaign, with NRL sides rumoured to have been sniffing around him before he joined Warrington.

However, he insisted he leaves with the club’s best wishes.

Matty Nicholson joined The Wire from Wigan Warriors in 2022Matty Nicholson joined The Wire from Wigan Warriors in 2022 (Image: SWPix.com)

“Naturally we are disappointed with losing Matty but we were fully aware this could transpire when we brought him in from Wigan,” he said.

“Matty goes with our best wishes and I know he’ll be doing all he can to ensure that he goes out in the right fashion this season.”

Academy graduate Adam Holroyd, who has made a sustained first-team breakthrough this year deputising for both Nicholson and Lachlan Fitzgibbon in the back row, is set for an increased role in 2025 while The Wire have tabled an offer for Leeds Rhinos’ Papua New Guinea international forward Rhyse Martin to join them next year.

Before then, however, Nicholson says he is determined to leave The Wire having helped them to their first ever Super League title.

“It’s been a lifetime ambition of mine growing up to play in the NRL,” he said.

“That’s the pinnacle of the sport and I’ve always pushed myself to play in that competition one day. I think it’s a good time for me to go over and I don’t want to have any regrets.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time here at Warrington and I’m fully committed for the rest of the season.

“Warrington gave me the opportunity to prove myself in Super League. I’m leaving on great terms and have got mates here for life.

“I can’t thank the club enough for what they’ve done for me during my time here and also how they’ve handled the transfer.

“The fans have been brilliant with me also. I really appreciate them and from the moment I made my debut I feel that they’ve really took to me.

“I want to thank them for the support they’ve shown and I want to repay them by ending my time here on a high.”