NRL: Monaghan goes to the Wolves

Joel Monaghan. Photo / Getty Images

Warrington have won the race for disgraced Canberra centre Joel Monaghan.

The 28-year-old former Kangaroos winger, who resigned from the NRL's Raiders to spare them any further embarrassment over the publication on the internet of a lewd photograph, has signed a 12-month contract with the Wolves.

His opportunity to play alongside older brother Michael, the Warrington hooker, came after fellow Australian Chris Hicks announced his immediate retirement, thus creating space on both the club's overseas quota and salary cap.

Monaghan was pursued by a host of Super League clubs after deciding to spend 2011 in Europe to get away from the storm of publicity at home. He spoke to Castleford coach Terry Matterson, a former assistant at Canberra, and visited Catalans Dragons. But he was already training with Warrington and jumped at the chance.

Wolves coach Tony Smith said: "The timing of this opportunity, along with Chris Hicks reconsidering his retirement, has meant it has all fallen into place. Joel is a player we have considered signing in the past."

Monaghan won five caps for Australia, including the 2008 World Cup final, and played twice for New South Wales in State of Origin.

Hicks, 33, reversed a decision to retire earlier this year when he signed a new 12-month contract but has now decided to revert to his earlier decision, which was based on his wife's career as a teacher.

- NZPA