Warrington remain keen on keeping loanee Jake Wardle in 2023
Warrington coach Daryl Powell insists they still want to keep loanee Jake Wardle beyond this season despite the comments made by Huddersfield boss Ian Watson last week.
Watson said the Giants wanted to keep loanee Toby King on a permanent basis following his impressive loan spell this season. However, Warrington declined because they preferred just for him to spend another season on loan there.
Subsequently, King will head to Wigan on a season-long loan in 2023, with a view to returning to Warrington for 2024.
After it was confirmed that King wouldn’t be at the Giants next season, Watson said they would welcome back Wardle to the club for next season to add competition for places in his squad.
The Giants are also losing off-contract Samoan centre Ricky Leutele, who has been in sensational form this season.
Powell responded to Watson’s comments. He still says he is hopeful the Wolves will be able to get a deal over the line for Wardle. But he admits they will look to recruit in the threequarter department if they can’t get Wardle back.
We want to keep Jake Wardle, says Warrington boss
“We would be looking to recruit in that area,” Powell told Love Rugby League.
“With Jake, I know there was something said by Ian Watson last week which was factually incorrect. But we would be looking.
“We would like to keep Jake if we can. They say he’s definitely going back there, but things can change. I don’t know any more (at present). At the moment he is contracted there so if it stays like that, then it forces our hand to look for Plan B.
“We are actively working on that at the moment.”
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