Warrington Wolves have confirmed that Gary Wheeler and James Laithwaite will join Toronto Wolfpack for the 2017 season.
Wheeler has struggled with injuries since signing for Wolves from St Helens in 2015, making just 12 appearances for the club, while Laithwaite (above) hasn’t featured for the first team this season.
Wolfpack CEO Eric Perex said: “We are very excited to add two experienced players to our ever growing squad. Both Gary and James have been match winners at the highest level, and that’s the standard we want in our club.”
Laithwaite progressed through the Warrington academy system having played his amateur rugby for Crosfields, going on to make his first team debut in 2013.
He said: “It’s a new chapter in my life moving over there – it’s somewhere different to play my rugby.
“I’ve been at Warrington since I was 11 so it’s all I’m used to – all I’ve ever known. To go out there and play will be a challenge, but one I can’t wait for.
“I’m looking forward to next year, and showing the people of Toronto, what a great sport we have on offer.”
Wheeler played for six seasons with St Helens, reaching the Grand Final in 2011 and winning a Championship three years later. He represented England at all youth levels, and was selected also for the England Knights.
“It will be a new experience for me out there and a chance to get some good game time under my belt and start enjoying my rugby again,” said Wheeler.
“It will be a change and it will do me good. I am looking forward to the experience over there. I get on well with James and have got a few other mates going there as well which will make the trip a lot easier with leaving family at home.”
The Wolfpack have now confirmed four signings, with Leigh’s Liam Kay and Wakefield’s Craig Hall already agreeing moves to Canada.
