Wigan Warriors boss reveals Warrington U-turn on Toby King stay with new rules benefitting Wolves
Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.
Wigan Warriors chief executive Kris Radlinski admits Super League’s new marquee rules will see Toby King return to parent club Warrington for the 2024 campaign.
King, 27, had initially signed on a season-long loan from the Halliwell Jones Stadium outfit, having finished his 2022 campaign with hometown club Huddersfield.
The Ireland and England international has since made 27 appearances under Matt Peet, scoring 11 tries and returning to his best form that saw him named in the 2020 Super League Dream Team.
Despite the best efforts from Wigan, the centre will return to his parent club at the end of the year following the new marquee rules that will come into play for 2024.
Having signed a long-term deal until the end of 2025, King became one of Warrington’s marquee players. As a homegrown talent, he will now only count towards £50,000 of the club’s salary cap.
Non-federation trained marquee players will remain at £150,000 and federation-trained players will count as £100,000.
Wigan chief executive Radlinski explained: “We tried really hard to extend Toby’s stay at Wigan. We had a deal agreed with Warrington in principle but then the salary cap rules changed for 2024 and as such, Toby became a valuable asset to the Wolves being a homegrown talent.
“It is perfectly within their gift to recall Toby.
“Toby will leave with heritage number #1127 and he will be remembered for having an outstanding season in 2023. Who knows, he may return someday.
“I would like to thank Warrington for their assistance in making it happen.”
Head coach Peet commented: “Toby has been a pleasure to work with and the players and staff are going to miss him and his family.
“I’d like to wish him all the best for his future on and off the field.”
Warrington ‘delighted’ to welcome back Toby King for 2024
King will return to Warrington and bolster the side’s centre options, alongside new signings Rodrick Tai and Wesley Bruines.
Peter Mata’utia and Greg Minikin remain off-contract, with Manly Sea Eagles outside-back Morgan Harper also linked with a move to Super League with the Wire ahead of Sam Burgess’ first season in charge.
Warrington Wolves director of rugby Gary Chambers said: “We are delighted to welcome Toby back to the club.
“During the past couple of seasons he will have amassed a wealth of knowledge from being involved in different environments which can only be beneficial to himself and the club.
“He returns to us at the peak of his physical capabilities. Sam and the staff are looking forward to working with him and are excited to see what he can bring to the team for the 2024 season.”