Sam Burgess adds another new face to his Warrington Wolves squad for 2024

WARRINGTON Wolves have moved to sign youngster Wesley Bruines from St Helens, re-uniting him with incoming head coach Sam Burgess.

Bruines, 20, moved to Australia at the age of 18 to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs Development squad, where he worked under Burgess, who is due to take the reins at the Halliwell Jones Stadium ahead of the 2024 season.

The Dewsbury-born centre moved to St Helens at the start of this season and has now penned a 12-month deal with the Wolves for 2024, with a club option for a further year.

Bruines said: “Warrington’s a big club and I’m excited for the opportunity.

“I know Sam [Burgess] from my time in Australia. He explained his vision of what he wants to do with the club and how he wants to develop me as a player.

“It’s a great stadium and a good atmosphere here at Warrington Wolves. It’s going to be a big pre-season for me and hopefully I can put my name out there to compete for a starting shirt.”

Bruines spent time with Wakefield as a youngster and though he hasn’t yet made a Super League appearance, he was an unused substitute when St Helens beat Warrington in April.

He has also twice been named 18th man for St Helens this season, for their wins over Leeds and Salford in July and August.

Warrington Wolves Director of Rugby Gary Chambers said: “Wes is someone Sam has worked with during his time at Souths.

“He’s a talented young player that we believe will develop with us. He can play centre as well as wing and full-back so will add that extra layer of competition as well as complementing what we’ve already got.”

Bruines has made his professional debut this season for North Wales Crusaders in League 1, and he has also featured five times in the Championship for Swinton.

He scored a try for the Lions in their 44-38 defeat to Bradford in May.

Burgess added: “Wes will be a great addition to our squad for next season. He will bring a great work ethic, skill and youth to our playing group.”

The signing of Bruines follows on from the announcement of Papua New Guinea international Rodrick Tai joining Warrington Wolves.