Warrington Wolves to release Monaghan and O'Brien

WARRINGTON Wolves will be releasing club captain Joel Monaghan and half-back Gareth O’Brien at the end of the season.

This is in addition to those leavers previously announced in: Richie Myler, Chris Bridge, Roy Asotasi and Simon Grix.

Hooker Micky Higham left for Leigh earlier in the season.

Skipper Monaghan was Super League’s leading try scorer last season and has an incredible strike rate at the Wolves.

Warrington born O’Brien almost left at the end of last season to join Bradford but was persuaded to stay on at the Wolves.

Both players have been released from the final year of their contract.

Monaghan made his debut for the club in 2011 and has gone on to make 143 appearances, crossing for 141 tries, taking on the role of captain this season. He was part of the squad that picked up the League Leaders Shield in his opening season and went on to lift the Challenge Cup trophy at Wembley alongside his brother Michael the following year, 2012.

O’Brien, a product of the club’s academy system, made his first-team debut in 2011 with 62 appearances, 19 tries, 78 goals and three drop goals. He also represented Warrington schools and played some of his junior rugby at Rylands.

Former New Zealand and Samoan international Asotasi joined the club in 2014 from South Sydney Rabbitohs and has gone on to make 57 appearances, holding heritage number 1107.

Head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith said: “While I have expressed our gratitude for each individual, collectively I’d like to thank each of the players for their commitment to the club and wish them well. We will always welcome them back in the future.”