Wigan Warriors confirm dual-registration partners for 2024

Following their drop from Super League, the Belle Vue outfit will feature in the Championship next season under newly-appointed head coach and ex-Warrington Wolves boss Daryl Powell, who succeeds Mark Applegarth on a four-year contract.

Previous partners for the Warriors include Oldham, London Broncos, London Skolars, Swinton Lions and Newcastle Thunder since the introduction of dual-registration in 2013, with the new agreement offering some of Wigan’s transition players the opportunity to gain valuable and regular first-team experience.

Wigan Warriors transition coach John Duffy said: “We are really looking forward to working with Daryl and his staff.

“Our young players will be really well coached and will gain valuable experience in a different environment.”

When a Wigan player goes on dual registration to Wakefield, that player will be eligible to play and train with both clubs. The player is restricted to play in one fixture per scheduled round of fixtures in any given week and would not be eligible to play twice for Wakefield and Wigan during the same weekend.

Wakefield boss Powell added: “This agreement with Wigan will be hugely beneficial to both clubs.

"We will be able to give great opportunities to some of the best young players in the country, which in turn will give us strength and depth across the whole squad. I’m looking forward to working with Matty Peet and the whole Wigan club for mutually beneficial gain.”

2022 Challenge Cup winning centre Iain Thornley has made the move to Wakefield ahead of the 2024 campaign from Wigan.

Meanwhile, two-time Super League winner Harrison Hansen has extended his career for a 21st professional season after penning a new 12-month deal with French outfit Toulouse Olympique in the Championship.

The Auckland-born forward enjoyed a 10-year spell with the club, being a part of the side under Shaun Wane that won the double in 2013.

The current Toulouse captain has made close to 500 professional appearances to date and could hit the major milestone next season following his extended deal - 242 of those games came in cherry and white colours.