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Oliver Gildart: Where will ex-Wigan Warriors star be in 2023 amid Leeds Rhinos rumours and NRL interest?

The rumour mill is in full motion at present.

As is always the case in the off season, there is plenty of discussion over potential signings especially in light of recent events which has seen some top teams juggle their salary cap.

One of those has been Leeds and their decision has culminated in rumours linking them to a move for former Wigan centre Oliver Gildart.

So what does the future hold for Gildart with uncertainty around his future with him having the potential to play for three NRL clubs.

His 2022 Season

After the 2021 campaign, one of Super League’s stars since his break out in 2015 when he played in the Grand Final, Gildart got a deserved move to the NRL.

A two-time Super League Champion, an international, he announced himself to the world with a world class winning try for England against New Zealand in 2018 and after kicking on in Super League, he followed Wigan teammate Jackson Hastings to Wests Tigers.

But as sweets struggled, Gildart ended up playing for in the NSW Cup. Which culminated in him being linked to Leeds on loan as he looked for game time perhaps trying to get into the World Cup.

In the end, he joined Sydney Roosters on loan and got more game time but wasn’t a regular starter.

Current Situation

Gildart was contracted to Wests in 2023 but it seems unlikely he’ll play for them again after 2022. Sydney are understandably interested after he starred for them at the end of the season but he has long been expected to join The Dolphins, the NRL’s newest club.

Potential Destinations

Leeds Rhinos

With Leeds moving on Jack Walker, the Rhinos have major cap space left over as well as a quota spot and need a centre. Nene MacDonald was expected to join but Leigh named him in their 2023 squad this week. Leeds now seem set to use their quota spot on Gold Coast prop Tim Lisone but would still need a centre. Derrell Olpherts or Rhyse Martin could play there but Leeds have understandably been linked with Gildart after he nearly joined mid-season.

The Dolphins

It’s been rumoured for a long time that Gildart was set to join The Dolphins in 2023. That still seems possible if he wants to be a guaranteed starter in the NRL but the temptation of joining Sydney might see him stay at Sydney.

Sydney Rooster 

As I’ve already said, if he wants to stay at Sydney and Sydney want him, it seems that he will be a Rooster next year. I can’t see him at Wests despite his contract.

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