Toronto sign Westerman and Ackers

Drew Darbyshire

Toronto Wolfpack have announced the signings of Joe Westerman and Andy Ackers from Warrington Wolves and London Broncos respectively.

England international Westerman, 27, has signed a three-year deal with the Wolfpack for a reported fee of £130,000.

Westerman burst onto the Rugby League scene when he made his debut as a 17-year-old for Castleford Tigers and joined to Hull FC in 2011. The loose forward signed for Warrington ahead of the 2015 season and has made over 250 career appearances.

And he admitted that he is excited by the Canadian experience.

“I was attracted to the club because of what I’m seeing and hearing off players who are already there,” he said.

“It’s a massive club with great support and I think it’s only going to get better and bigger.

“I want to be part of a side that gets the club into Super League where I think it belongs. I’m looking forward to getting started and playing in front of the Wolfpack crowd.”

Ackers has joined Paul Rowley’s Wolfpack on a two-year deal after impressive performances in the Championship while at London.

The 23-year-old was in both Wigan and Warrington’s Academy as a youngster and later played for Swinton Lions before moving to the Capital.

And the hooker is made up to have signed for the League 1 Champions.

“This was the perfect opportunity for me to come to the Wolfpack,” he said.

“It’s a club that probably every pro player wants to be in at the moment, it’s growing Rugby League.

“I’m looking forward to helping the Wolfpack to the Super League where this exciting team should be.”