We have seen some of the big name free agents lock down clubs for the 2023 season recently.
On Sunday, former Leeds Rhinos and Canterbury Bulldogs prop Ava Seumanufagai confirmed his move to Leigh Leopards for 2023 whilst Super League linked prop Marty Taupau joined Brisbane Broncos rejecting a move to Super League as well as turning down interest from South Sydney Rabbitohs and Parramatta Eels.
Speaking of turning down interest, one man who still doesn’t have a club has turned down the prospect of a Super League move in the shape of Josh Mansour.
The winger isn’t the only player to do so either. Fijian Canterbury Bulldogs halfback Brandon Wakeham was one of the standout players in the Rugby League World Cup and one who was looking for a new club ahead of 2023.
He was linked with a move to Super League but as the likes of Hull FC and Warrington Wolves solved their halfback conundrums with different signings and with Catalans Dragons prioritising a centre seemingly set to play Tyrone May in the halves, this become unlikely and now he has secured a new club.
Wakeham has signed for Wests Tigers replacing former Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors halfback Jackson Hastings as cover for Adam Doueihi and Luke Brooks.
It comes as former Leeds and Hull FC target Kyle Flanagan is set to be Cameron Ciraldo’s first choice at the Bulldogs for the 2023 season.
“I’m really excited to be joining Wests Tigers and I can’t wait to get stuck into training,” he said.
“My first impressions of the club have been brilliant.
“I can’t wait to learn off Tim and Benji and all the coaching staff, and I think this move will have a positive impact on me and my game.”
Head coach Tim Sheens believes Wakeham will play an important role in the squad:
“He’s a talented young player and a welcome addition to our club.
Meanwhile, CEO Justin Pascoe has echoed Sheens’ sentiments:
“On behalf of all of us here at Wests Tigers, I extend a warm welcome to Brandon and his family.
“This further demonstrates how strategic our recruitment has been in providing depth across the halves.”
