WARRINGTON Wolves have swooped to sign former Wigan winger Josh Charnley until November 2020.
Charnley, 26, will join the squad immediately from Rugby Union side Sale Sharks.
He made the switch from League to Union after winning the Super League Grand Final with Wigan Warriors in 2016. He’s gone on to make 32 appearances for Sale; making 16 in his debut season.
Charnley made his Super League debut for Wigan in 2010 and went on to make over 170 appearances for the Cherry and Whites, crossing for over 160 tries. In his time at Wigan he won two Super League rings (2013, 2016) and two Challenge Cup medals (2011, 2013).
In his international Rugby League career he has been capped seven times for England between 2012 and 2014, representing his country in the World Cup of 2013 and the Four Nations the following year.
Warrington head coach Steve Price said: “Josh is an exciting talent. I kept an eye on him for a number of years prior to him going to Rugby Union. He’s a player who can beat people and break tackles. He’s got electric speed and is a fantastic finisher. I feel he can bring something different to what we currently have at the moment.
“Josh is excited to get back to where his passion lies which is Rugby League; he’s excited to come back into the game that he has grown up on all his career and to be joining our football club.”
Charnley added: “I like this club. It’s a good club to be at, there’s a good culture here and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with the lads and pushing for that top four spot. There wasn’t much persuasion needed. I know a few boys here who speak highly of this club so it wasn’t a tough decision to put pen to paper.
“I’ve always liked playing at this stadium, it’s one of my favourites. Hopefully I’ll fit straight in with the boys. I’ve been out of the game 17 months. I’ll be looking to bring some enthusiasm to the boys and bring a bit of pace to the team. I’ll try and be a bit physical and try and give the lads a lift.”
