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Ex-Wigan Warriors star Oliver Gildart finds new club IMMEDIATELY – but it’s not Leeds Rhinos

Former Wigan Warriors star Oliver Gildart is set for a stunning transfer move THIS WEEK.

Gildart had been linked with a huge move to the Leeds Rhinos earlier in July, but that didn’t materialise following the closing of the transfer window in Super League.

However, Wests Tigers have been trying to offload Gildart in a bid to offer contract upgrades to players they are looking to re-sign beyond the end of the year.

David Nofoaluma has already been shipped to the Melbourne Storm on loan, but now the Sydney Roosters have contacted the Tigers to get England international Gildart off their hands, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The former Wigan man will remain contracted to Wests for 2023, but with a move to the Dolphins widely expected for next season, it is a chance to get Gildart off their books sooner rather than later.

It is understood Gildart will be available for selection in the Roosters squad for this week’s clash against Brisbane, with a deal expected to be concluded as early as today or tomorrow.

Both clubs confirmed the move in a statement on Monday afternoon.

“This works for Oliver, and it works for us as well. So strategically, it makes sense,” Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said.

“Oliver will return to us after this short loan and begin preparing for 2023.”

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.

At the weekend, however, he played for Wests’ feeder team, the Western Suburbs 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.

For Leeds boss Rohan Smith, however, after being asked about potentially signing Gildart a number of weeks ago, was coy on the subject.

“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.”

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,

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