It was widely speculated earlier this season that we could see Oliver Gildart in the UK long before we thought we would.
After a brilliant start to life at Wigan starring in the Warriors’ journey to the Grand Final in his breakout season back in 2015, he has won two Grand Finals and played for England in 2018 scoring one of the best international tries we have seen in 2018 against the Kiwis.
This, along with his persistent form after that, led to a move to the NRL with Wests Tigers bringing the centre in ahead of 2022.
However, things didn’t click for the centre at Wests leading to speculation that he could join Leeds mid-season on loan before moving to The Dolphins in 2023. This was so he could cement himself in Shaun Wane’s England squad.
This move never came off and he instead joined Sydney Roosters on loan where he has found a new leash of life and could stay there in 2023.
However, he is now back in the UK. Perhaps this is to see his family on holiday, however the timing is interesting.
He arrives in England a day before Shaun Wane reveals his England squad for the Rugby League World Cup.
Thus, this could be an indicator that Gildart could be included in the squad released tomorrow. This is unsurprising given his international pedigree as well as the injuries to the likes of Harry Newman and the doubt hanging over Mark Percival after a knee injury plagued his 2022 campaign.
Herbie Farnwoth, another option at centre, is also a doubt after a long term injury.
Super League Disciplinary News
Super League DIsciplinary: Ground-breaking decision explained
