NRL star has big say on immediate Super League switch

We have seen plenty of Super League clubs mentioned in huge transfer stories lately such as Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and Hull FC.

Some of these signings have been with a view towards the 2024 season and others have been about the here and now.

Wigan Warriors have signed Kruise Leeming and Sam Walters for 2024 but Hull KR have moved for Brad Schneider immediately.

However, one signing at a Super League club could act as both.

That is Lachlan Fitzgibbin at Warrington. The Wolves announced his arrival for next year last week beating Leeds to his signature.

On signing, Fitzgibbon said: “It’s been in my vision for the last couple of years to make the move over to Super League.

“They play a really good brand of rugby league in the UK which I feel will suit my game. At 29 I want to come over while I still have my best years in front of me.

“The history of the club and how important the club is to the town and the people of Warrington really resonated with me. I’m from a town over here in Newcastle and it’s full of passionate people who love their footy.

“Michael Monaghan is one of our Assistant Coaches at the Knights and spoke very highly about the club. I know Kurt Gidley too who’s a Newcastle legend. Kurt spoke so positively about the club and town. Hearing how much he enjoyed his time over there really made me feel comfortable about the decision and the move to England.

“I’m looking forward to getting over there and meeting the Warrington fans.”

However, with injuries mounting in the backrow for the club, Powell admitted that he could make the shock play to bring Fitzgibbon in early with the club having a quota spot open.

He said after the game on Friday:

“We have asked the question. Newcastle Knights [Fitzgibbon’s current club] are still in the fight for the play-offs.

“They’ve got a bye round I think this week, so that would extend it another week. In an ideal world, we’d try and do that.

“Maybe later in the season that could be an option. But we’ll keep looking into.

“We haven’t replaced those two guys that left [Mikaele and McGuire] and that’s clearly having an impact on the rest of the middle unit.”

However, Fitzgibbon has committed to finishing his contract in the NRL when speaking to Australian media at Newcastle Knights.

“I am fully committed to playing out the season here,” he said.

“We are sitting 14th at the moment but we are still three points outside the eight.

“It wouldn’t sit right with me and it wouldn’t sit right with the club if I just got up and left out the back door.”