You are in > manchester.com  > News > King joins Warrington

Rugby League

King joins Warrington

10/07/2007

Australian Test centre Matt King has announced his decision to join Super League side Warrington from next season.

The 26-year-old turned down offers from rivals Wigan Warriors, Bradford Bulls and Hull Kingston Rovers to sign for Wolves, where he has signed a four-year deal.

King will move from Melbourne Storm at the end of the current season in the NRL in Australia and will start the 2008 season at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy said he would be sad to see the three-quarters leave his hometown club, describing him as "the best centre in the world".

King also confirmed that leaving the Storm was a difficult choice, but one that he had to make.

"Everyone thinks that it has been a pretty one-way decision for me to make to go over there but for me to leave this club is not an easy thing to do," he said.

"I really had to weigh up a lot of things before I made this decision.

"In saying goodbye to the Storm it opens up a new chapter to my life. I am really looking forward to my four years over at Warrington, living in a new part of the world and experiencing a different culture."

Warrington coach Paul Cullen, who has, according to King, offered the Australian "a leadership role" at the club next season, said: "Matt is a world-class international who will delight the Warrington faithful for years to come."

King follows in the footsteps of fellow Kangaroos stars Andrew Johns and David Kidwell, who have both played for Warrington in the past.

© Adfero Ltd