Oliver Gildart reunites with Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins

Drew Darbyshire
Oliver Gildart Wests Tigers PA

Former Wigan centre Oliver Gildart will link up with his former England coach Wayne Bennett again in 2023 after joining the Dolphins, the NRL’s newest club.

The 26-year-old made the move to the NRL ahead of last season. He played the first eight matches of the season for Wests Tigers before being loaned out to Sydney Roosters, where he made two first-grade appearances.

Gildart played for England and Great Britain under Bennett, who will coach the Dolphins in their inaugural season in the NRL in 2023.

Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader said: “Oliver has played rugby league at test level and is a player who is fast, elusive and has great footwork.

“Wayne Bennett coached him on a Great Britain tour so knows him well, and we believe he may only have just scratched the surface of what he can do in the NRL.

“Importantly, his signature adds another strong option to our backline list.”

About Oliver Gildart

Gildart has won four international caps – three for England and one for Great Britain – all of which came under Bennett.

The Wigan-born centre scored 65 tries in 143 appearances for his hometown club between 2015-21. He played in four Super League Grand Finals with the Warriors, winning two of them.

Gildart won his first Grand Final in 2016 in just his 10th career start. He was named Super League’s Young Player of the Year in 2017; and won his second Grand Final the following season.

Gildart, who is the son of former Wigan forward Ian Gildart, made his international debut for England in 2018.

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