Burke leaves Warriors to join Widnes

The forward has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Vikings, and could make his debut for his new club against St Helens this Friday.

The 23-year-old was out of contract with the Warriors at the end of this year.

Burke has played 18 games for Wigan this season including Saturday’s 26-6 win at Catalans – which now looks to be his last for his hometown club.

He debuted in 2013 and went on to play 17 matches for Wigan that campaign.

The following year he added six more games to that tally before joining Hull KR on a season’s long loan in 2015.

A compact prop, Burke has given solid service and shown his versatility with spells in the backrow and at hooker, without cementing a regular starting spot.

He will be among familiar faces at his new club – Gil Dudson and Joe Mellor are among Widnes’ ex-Warriors contingent.

His immediate exit will free up some cash under the salary cap.

Wigan now have recent-recruit Frank-Paul Nuuausala to squeeze on their wage bill, though it is thought his former club Canberra are paying a significant chunk of his salary for the rest of this season.

The Kiwi prop is waiting for a work visa which will allow him to fly to the UK and take up his three-and-a-half year deal with the Warriors.

Meanwhile, Lee Mossop is facing two separate grade A tripping offences at tonight’s RFL judiciary, arising from the Catalans game.

Both offences carry a suggested punishment of up to a one-game ban.

Catalans prop Romain Navarette was warned for a dangerous tackle on Mossop, while stand-off Todd Carney was warned for pulling Taulima Tautai’s hair.

Wigan’s game at Leeds on Friday, July 15 will be televised by Sky Sports.