Warrington Wolves have snapped up St Helens star Wesley Bruines for next year and beyond.
He arrived in Super League from down under last year and Warrington appear to be exploiting the fact they have replaced former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers boss Daryl Powell with Sam Burgess as his connections likely led to this transfer.
The 20-year-old 6ft 3in centre joins on a 12-month deal with a club option for a further year.
The Dewsbury-born youngster came through the Academy system at Wakefield Trinity before making a move to Australia aged 18 where he joined South Sydney Rabbitohs Development squad, working under our new Head Coach Sam Burgess. He has also represented England Lions at youth level.
The versatile centre moved back to the UK this year with St Helens and will now make the switch to The Halliwell Jones Stadium to continue his development next season.
Wesley Bruines said: “Warrington’s a big club and I’m excited for the opportunity.
“I know Sam [Burgess] from my time in Australia. He explained his vision of what he wants to do with the club and how he wants to develop me as a player.
“It’s a great stadium and a good atmosphere here at Warrington. It’s going to be a big pre-season for me and hopefully I can put my name out there to compete for a starting shirt.”
Warrington Wolves Director of Rugby Gary Chambers said: “Wes is someone Sam has worked with during his time at Souths.
“He’s a talented young player that we believe will develop with us. He can play centre as well as wing and full-back so will add that extra layer of competition as well as complementing what we’ve already got.”
Warrington Wolves new Head Coach for 2024 Sam Burgess added: “Wes will be a great addition to our squad for next season.
“He will bring a great work ethic, skill and youth to our playing group.”
Commenting on Bruines, Head Coach Paul Wellens said: “Since coming through our doors, Wes has applied himself and worked very hard, he’s been a valued member of the group and we wish him well on his next chapter when that comes.
“Opportunities at the elite level are hard to come by at a club like St.Helens but our junior pathway is strong. We have an incredibly exciting cohort of talent coming through to the First Team in the very near future and we look forward to continuing our ethos of developing young, home-grown talent.”
