06 July 2023 , 16:00
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Warrington legends Michael Monaghan and Kurt Gidley helped persuade Newcastle Knights star Lachlan Fitzgibbon to take up a deal with the Super League club.
Wolves have confirmed the Australian second-row will join them on a three-year contract from next season. Fitzgibbon’s arrival - which sees teenage England back-row Matty Nicholson switch to loose forward - has been described as a “great addition” by Warrington boss Daryl Powell.
And Fitzgibbon explained how Monaghan, the Aussie half-back who won the Challenge Cup three times with Wolves during his stay from 2008 and 2014, had played his part in the deal along with ex-Kangaroos ace Gidley who also featured at Halliwell Jones Stadium.
He said: “It’s been in my vision for the last couple of years to make the move over to Super League. They play a really good brand of rugby league in the UK which I feel will suit my game. At 29, I want to come over while I still have my best years in front of me.
“The history of the club and how important the club is to the town and the people of Warrington really resonated with me. I’m from a town over here in Newcastle and it’s full of passionate people who love their footy. Michael Monaghan is one of our assistant coaches at the Knights and spoke very highly about the club. I know Kurt Gidley too who’s a Newcastle legend. Kurt spoke so positively about the club and town.
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"Hearing how much he enjoyed his time over there really made me feel comfortable about the decision and the move to England. I’m looking forward to getting over there and meeting the Warrington fans.”
Newcastle Knights' Lachlan Fitzgibbon (Getty Images)Fitzgibbon has scored 31 tries in 112 NRL appearances since debuting for the Knights in 2015. Powell added: “Lachlan is a quality player and is a great signing for us for a lot of reasons. I’ve had really good, positive conversations with him. He’s a top-class back-rower who’s been consistent over there in the NRL for a number of years now. He runs great lines and is a great professional.
"He’ll be a great addition for next season and the Warrington fans will love what he’ll be able to deliver. Matty Nicholson will move to 13 in the middle of the field and he’s really positive about that switch too.”
Nicholson’s switch will offset the loss of ex-Kangaroos loose forward Josh McGuire who departed Warrington in acrimonious circumstances last month.