Thomas Mikaele makes immediate Warrington Wolves return with second debut in sight

Drew Darbyshire
Thomas Mikaele Warrington Wolves

Thomas Mikaele in action for Warrington Wolves

Powerhouse prop Thomas Mikaele has returned to Warrington Wolves on a short-term deal from NRL side Gold Coast Titans for the rest of 2023.

The Samoan prop made 18 appearances for Warrington before being granted a release in April to return to Australia on compassionate grounds.

Mikaele will arrive in the UK today (Wednesday) and could make his second debut for the club in Friday’s home game against Catalans Dragons.

On his return, Mikaele said: “It’s been a weird year for me so far. There’s been some changes and obviously things haven’t gone the way they were planned for me since returning to the NRL.

“But I’ve been given the opportunity to come back and be a part of something special that we had going on earlier in the year at Warrington.

“I’m happy my family is sorted back home and I’m excited to get back to the UK to reconnect with the lads and play in front of the Wire crowd again which I’ve missed.

“The whole club and town were good to me so it’s only fitting I get to return and contribute to a hopefully successful end to the year.”

Warrington Wolves interim boss ‘excited’ to welcome Thomas Mikaele back

Warrington interim coach Gary Chambers said: “We’re excited to welcome Thomas back into the set-up.

“Every minor detail has been covered to ensure he’s as fresh as possible to give him the best chance of playing this Friday. We’ll assess on Thursday if he’s ready to go.

“He’s a handful for any defence. He’s a threat with the ball in hand and in defence as well.

“He was playing consistently well at the start of the year and hopefully he can find that form again for us over the next few months.”

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