Wolves say au revoir to Murphy

WARRINGTON Wolves have released academy player Chris Murphy with immediate effect with the youngster heading off to play in France.
Murphy is making a move to the south of France to join Carcassonne, a professional Rugby League side playing in the Elite One Championship over in France.
Chris, 21, has progressed through the Wolves academy system most recently playing his part in the under 20s team and he’s ready for this new challenge having learnt a lot from his time at Warrington.
Chris said: “I’m both nervous and excited about the move. I’ve had some ups and downs so this will be a fresh start for my career going forward. My future ambition is to come back and play in Super League. I’m looking forward to playing in a new country and meeting new people and contacts over there. From joining Warrington at amateur level my skill levels have improved more so since John Bastian’s role was introduced increasing my skills, focus and ambition which has been a massive boost.
“Rugby League is massive in the south of France and I’m looking forward to learning from my time over there. The stadiums and fans will be a new experience and I can’t wait to get involved and push my career forward.”
John Bastian, Wolves’ Director of Youth Development, added: “Chris has been with us for four years. He’s been a model professional during his time at the Wolves. Unfortunately he’s been hampered by injuries which have limited his game time over the last two years. The games in which he has played he has shown himself to be a hardworking and honest person and player. He has good speed and skills, which will benefit him in the French competition.
“Most academies talk about the successes of juniors progressing into the first grade, but the toughest part of player development is making those hard decisions where unfortunately for different reasons we have to release players. The players that do get released will almost always get other opportunities elsewhere and there’s no reason why at some stage in their careers they can’t progress back to a Super League club and become stronger and more self driven for the experience.
“We are delighted at Warrington Wolves that Chris is getting this opportunity to experience a different culture and environment with Carcassonne and I’m sure that if he stays patient he can make a good impact and learn a great deal from his time in the south of France.”
Warrington Wolves have donated a signed shirt and ball to be presented to the Carcassonne club.
Picture shows Chris receiving the signed shirt from John Bastian.