Wildcats sign Rover Mariano

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have signed 23-year-old Hull KR back rower Frankie Mariano on a one-year contract.

The former Embassy Longhill amateur, who has worked his way up through the Rovers development system at the east Yorkshire club, made his senior-debut for Rovers in a Carnegie Challenge Cup Fifth Round tie against Sheffield Eagles in 2009 and has played three games for the Robins in the Engage Super League during 2010.

John Kear, the Wakefield Head Coach and Director of Rugby, said: “We’re delighted to acquire Frankie as we believe that he is a player with Super League potential.

“One of our aims at Wakefield is to sign ambitious young British players when they become available so that we can create a squad that is hungry for success.

“Frankie, at 6’4″ and 16 stones fits that bill and we’re happy to welcome him at the Wildcats.”

James Elston, the Wildcats’ Chief Executive, said:” I was impressed with Frankie’s potential when I worked at Hull KR and marked him down as a potential recruit once I took up my post with the Wildcats earlier this year.”

Frankie said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Wildcats and I’m looking forward to meeting my new team-mates as well as starting pre-season training.”