Sitaleki Akauola bids farewell to Warrington

Drew Darbyshire
Sitaleki Akauola in action for Warrington

Sitaleki Akauola says it has been an “absolute pleasure” to play for Warrington as his four years with the club comes to an end.

The Tonga international made 67 appearances for the Wolves since arriving at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in 2018. He has been linked with a move to Salford for next season following the expiry of his Warrington contract.

Akauola, who has one cap for Tonga, was part of the Warrington side that won the Challenge Cup in 2019.

Akauola posted on Instagram: “Thank you to all who have made my time at Warrington a memorable one over the years. From the backroom staff to the groundsmen – for making everything possible.

“To the trainers right through to the coaches for their guidance. The people of this town for their die hard support.

“To the Warrington Wolves Foundation for keeping me grounded and to the players from the past and present I’ve taken the field with, it’s been an absolute pleasure.”

Akauola made 32 appearances in the NRL for Wests Tigers and Penrith Panthers prior to his move to Super League.

New look Warrington in 2022

Warrington will have a new-look team in 2022, with the Wolves having already announced the signings of centre Greg Minikin, prop James Harrison, centre Peter Mata’utia and back-rower Oliver Holmes. They have also been strongly linked with prop Joe Bullock, who recently confirmed his departure from Wigan.

Wire have brought in Daryl Powell as their new head coach on a three-year contract from next season, succeeding Australian Steve Price, who has returned to his homeland with his family.

He said: “Warrington is an outstanding club with a rich history and the opportunity to coach the club from 2022 onwards is a very special one. I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“Wherever I’ve been as a coach, I’ve fully embedded myself into the club and the town. I think it is really important as a coach that you do that and I’m looking forward to meeting all the Warrington fans next season.”

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