Newcastle bring in Sam Wilde from Ottawa

Drew Darbyshire

Newcastle have signed former Warrington and Widnes forward Sam Wilde for the 2021 season.

The 25-year-old back-rower or loose forward had initially agreed to join Ottawa Aces for 2021 – but the Canadian club then decided to postpone their entry to League 1 until 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Wilde said: “I’m really looking forward to joining Thunder for next season. It’s a club with brilliant plans and ambitions to make it to the top levels of the game and that is what you want as a player.

“I had a conversation with Denis (Betts), who I’ve known well since he brought me in on loan and signed me at Widnes. He outlined the direction the club is going and I can’t wait to get stuck in through pre-season.”

Director of rugby Denis Betts said: “Sam is a Super League back-rower with great ability. He is solid in defence and has huge levels of talent.

“He played in the Super League Grand Final and wants to take on a mantle as someone who leads.

“As a club, we can provide him with an environment that shares his ambitions and desire to step up to higher levels and he is a player who can be part of what is happening at Thunder for a long time.”

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League 1 Newcastle Thunder