Wolves land Waterhouse and bid farewell to King

WARRINGTON Wolves have announced the capture of Aussie Test forward Trent Waterhouse at the same time as bidding a fond farewell to fellow countryman Matt King at the end of the season.
Waterhouse has agreed a 3-year deal with the club and will join at the start of 2012.
He has signed from Penrith Panthers where he has been a one-club man and has made 177 appearances. This season Trent is second in the NRL stats for offloads with 44.
Trent played twice for Australia in the 2009 Four Nations Tournament and he has played 5 times for New South Wales in State of Origin matches, his last appearance being in 2010.
Wolves’ Head of Coaching Tony Smith said: “He’s a high quality international player who fits our needs and will fit into our structures and our team extremely well. He’s a big man who likes to offload the ball and is a highly experienced Rugby League player who has gained a lot of experience at the highest level. I am looking forward to working with him and losing somebody of Matt’s experience Trent’s a great replacement in terms of experience and leadership value and that was very much a focus for us given the amount of leadership that Matt plays within the team it was important that we do gain an experienced player who has got a great leadership style.”
Trent added: “I am delighted to be joining Warrington at this exciting time in the club’s history. I can see they are a very ambitious and professional organisation seeking immediate success and I therefore hope to be able to positively contribute towards their desired goals for winning trophies.
“I have heard great things about the club, the players and the fans. I can see big things for the club in the near future and I’m looking forward to getting over there and being part of that.
“The coach and management have outlined a fantastic vision for their future and as such it was the only club I wanted to join in the UK Super League.”
Meanwhile the departing King said: “Without a doubt the option to stay here in England was quite an attractive one. Warrington is a club that at the moment is close to being, if not the best Rugby League club in the country. To leave was no easy decision but we do have a little baby girl who we have to think about now.
“It goes without saying what we want to achieve this year. To get back to Wembley for a third straight year would be absolutely wonderful and for us to finish on a positive note would be a fairytale for me but more importantly a fairytale for the ever loyal fans and that’s what I’m focusing on.
“My time here in Warrington has been a rollercoaster. I’ve met some really special people during my time here in England including those fans who wait for me after every game. They’re very dear to me and I’ll always remember the fans for the support they’ve given me. So a big thank you.”
Wolves Head of Coaching and Rugby Tony Smith added: “We wish Matt well and know he’ll want to go out on the best possible note which is a sign of his character. He’s been a fantastic influence on our club on and off the field for a number of years and it would be fitting for him to go out on a high. We would like to wish him and his family the very best for the future and respect his desire to move back to Australia.”