Few players can claim to have played for Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants in the space of one year but Toby King and Jake Wardle ironically can.
Both have both been great signings for Wigan in 2023 but only Wardle has signed on permanently even though it seems King and Wigan would have liked the move to be permanent.
Now though it has been confirmed that he will be returning to Warrington from Wigan.
This raises further questions about the future of Peter Mata’utia at the club with Morgan Harper expected to join the club as well and all the quota spots expected to be used.
The announcement about King came from both Wigan and Warrington.
The centre joined Wigan after a loan spell at Huddersfield in 2022 and has played in all but one game in 2023, a total of 27 games scoring 11 tries – including a memorable try sealing a win against St Helens in front of 24,275 fans at the DW Stadium on Good Friday.
Chief Executive Kris Radlinski said: “We tried really hard to extend Toby’s stay at Wigan. We had a deal agreed with Warrington in principle but then the salary cap rules changed for 2024 and as such, Toby became a valuable asset to the Wolves being a homegrown talent. It is perfectly within their gift to recall Toby.
“I vividly remember Matt and myself meeting Toby at his manager’s house before the start of the season. Matt was incredibly honest with Toby about where he felt his game was at and how he was going to get the best out of him. Toby took everything on board and delivered on his promises. He has committed himself wholeheartedly to the Wigan club and he will always have friends here. If there is a blueprint of how a season-long loan should be fulfilled, the way that Toby and the club have executed it should be replicated.
“Toby will leave with heritage number #1127 and he will be remembered for having an outstanding season in 2023. Who knows, he may return someday. I would like to thank Warrington for their assistance in making it happen.”
Head Coach Matt Peet said: “Toby has been a pleasure to work with and the players and staff are going to miss him and his family.
“I’d like to wish him all the best for his future on and off the field.”
