Warrington Wolves pair move Down Under to join ex-Super League star

A duo of Warrington Wolves youngsters have joined the feeder team to South Sydney Rabbitohs in Australia.

Alfie Mather and Pat Irwin have signed for Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup – and could, if all goes well, line up for one of the biggest sides in rugby league in 2025.

Back-rower Mather had been with Warrington for a number of years in their scholarship, academy and reserve sides, and largely plays in the loose-forward position.

Speaking to 7NEWS in Australia, Mather said: “I started playing when I was four.

“I got picked up at Warrington Wolves’ under-16s when I was 15 I think, and then I joined the academy which is under-18s, and I played a few games for the reserves as well.

“I was meant to be coming with two other lads from Warrington but they backed out at the last second. Pat was going the whole time but I didn’t actually know Pat was coming!”

Meanwhile, Pat Irwin, a highly-rated young half-back, added: “It’ll be a great thing for me to get some experience out here at such a high level.”

He featured for the first team in a friendly win over Widnes Vikings in pre-season 2024.

Warrington Wolves duo join former Super League playmaker in Australia switch

Townsville Blackhawks have some familiar names to UK fans of rugby league.

They are coached by former Hull KR half Terry Campese, who represented Australia and New South Wales before ending his playing career with the Robins.

He made 139 NRL appearances, scoring 24 tries, and ended his time playing after a disappointing relegation campaign – but recently took part in a wrestling event in Canberra.

Meanwhile, Irwin could be playing alongside former Super League half Jack Campagnolo, who spent the 2024 campaign with London Broncos but has now returned to Australia.

He told Serious About Rugby League in August: “I’ve been out for a long chunk of this year so I’m just trying to get consistent, then I’ll look to next year. But I’d like to stay [in England], definitely, if an opportunity presents itself. To play rugby league for as long as I can full-time is my goal.”

Now, he’s back in reserve-grade footy but showed last year that he’s capable in first-grade play.