Wigan Warriors linked with NRL Grand Final winner

Wigan Warriors are reportedly looking into the market to bolster their centre options for 2024, with Toby King expected to return to Warrington.

King, 26, joined the DW Stadium side on a season-long loan for 2023 and has featured in all but one game under Matt Peet so far this year in Super League.

Contracted with Warrington until 2025, King has previously discussed his desire to remain at Wigan. However, new rules to Super League’s salary cap will likely see the England international return to the Halliwell Jones Stadium for next season, as first reported by Examiner Live and Thirteen.

Australian journalist ‘Moley’ has since linked the Warriors with a move for current Dolphins centre Brenko Lee, writing on the Wide World of Sports.

Brenko Lee linked with Wigan move

The 27-year-old won the 2020 Grand Final with Melbourne Storm, named in the centres in the 26-20 win over Penrith Panthers.

His form that same season saw him called up to represent Queensland in State of Origin, featuring in the deciding clash in Game III as the Maroons won the series following a 20-14 victory over New South Wales in Brisbane.

Lee spent the 2022 campaign with Brisbane Broncos, making just eight appearances before joining the Dolphins under Wayne Bennett for their inaugural NRL season alongside cousin Edrick Lee.

He still has one-year remaining on his contract, but Moley has reported that Wigan are eyeing up the one-time Tonga international on a long-term contract.

Lee has made 88 NRL appearances since his debut in 2014 with Canberra Raiders, and has also featured for Canterbury Bulldogs and Gold Coast Titans in his 10-year career. He has crossed for 25 tries.

If confirmed, Lee will become Wigan’s first new signing for the 2024 Super League campaign, with a host of players still without deals for next campaign.

Australian playmaker Cade Cust remains off contract at the end of the season, with an extra year option on his deal.

Overseas recruits Kaide Ellis and Patrick Mago also have options for 2024.

Mike Cooper, Willie Isa, Abbas Miski, Brad Singleton, Ramon Silva and Iain Thornely all also remain without deals for next season.

Matt Peet responds to speculation

During his weekly media duties, Wigan coach Peet was asked about the club’s links with the NRL centre.

The Warriors host Warrington at the DW Stadium this Sunday in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, with a 2:30pm kick-off live on the BBC.

“I’ve certainly seen him, he was an Origin player not long ago,” Peet said on Wednesday.

“But to be honest, I read that we’re linked with that many different players, I didn’t know which one you was going to ask me about coming.

“But there’s nothing to speculate on and when there is, we’ll let you know.

“But there’s nothing particularly interesting going on at the moment.

“We’re always active and we’re always looking, but we’re not particularly down the line with Brenko Lee or anyone else from the NRL.”

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