Ex-Wigan Warriors centre Oliver Gildart takes bizarre position after rumoured shock Super League move
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 23/09/2021 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League Playoffs - Eliminator Game 1 - Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos - DW Stadium, Wigan, England - Wigan's Oliver Gildart.
Former Wigan Warriors centre Oliver Gildart has been given a bizarre position for the Wests Tigers’ feeder team Western Suburbs Magpies ahead of a potential Super League move.
Gildart was linked with Leeds Rhinos a fortnight ago, as per Rugby League Live, in what would have been a shock short-term move until the end of the season.
The former Wigan man would then take up a role at the Dolphins – the NRL’s new side that will be under the tutelage of Wayne Bennett – at the end of this season.
However, with the transfer window now closed, Gildart will not be joining Super League, but a move to the Dolphins is still heavily favoured.
Gildart has played just eight games for the Tigers since making the move ahead of the 2022 season, falling out of favour after a number of inconsistent performances, however, he looks to have done enough to impress Bennett for a long-term deal at the Dolphins.
Now, though, he will be playing for the Magpies in the bizarre position of stand-off – a role he has seemingly not taken before with Gildart only ever taking the centre shirt at the DW Stadium.
Oliver Gildart named at 5/8, David Nofoaluma on the wing, Jake Simpkin at hooker and Jacob Liddle at lock#NSWCup
— NBWT (@NBWT__) July 26, 2022
For Leeds boss Rohan Smith, however, he remained coy on potentially bringing in the former Wigan Warriors centre – and ultimately it didn’t come off, but potential signings for 2023 continue to be touted.
“I’m not aware of any news on Oliver despite what has been broken, but there is always a chance,” Smith said.
“We have the potential and capability to make some late moves but there is nothing set in stone there.
“We don’t have to but there are moving parts and we are looking to build our squad for this year and next year.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Gildart will actually make the move to the Dolphins, but if he does, the former Wigan man will almost certainly not be playing at stand-off!
Elsewhere, Leeds have brought in Toulouse Olympique prop Justin Sangare for 2023 and beyond as Smith looks to put his stamp on the Rhinos squad,