Warrington Wolves sign Thomas Mikaele, Sam Kasiano and Gil Dudson to bolster front row | Rugby League News

Sam Kasiano and Gil Dudson will join the Wolves from Catalans Dragons for the 2023 and 2024 seasons; Thomas Mikaela will join with immediate effect from NRL side West Tigers in a boost for the Super League side

Warrington Wolves have announced the signings of front-rowers Thomas Mikaele, Sam Kasiano and Gil Dudson, Mikaele joining the side with immediate effect.

Mikaele joins from Wests Tigers on a two-and-a-half-year deal and will join up with his new team-mates in the UK next week.

The 24-year-old New Zealand born prop, who has made 66 NRL appearances, said he was excited to link up with his new side and showcase what he can do.

« I haven’t been excited like this in a long time. It’s pretty surreal and has happened so quickly over the past couple of days, » said Mikaele.

« To get the opportunity to come over to the Wire is exciting for me and my family. I can’t wait to get over there.

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Highlights of the match between Warrington Wolves and St Helens in the Super League

« It’s a fresh start for me and an opportunity to showcase what I can do.

« Being so young still I’ve still got plenty of time and a lot of growth in the game. My best footy is still ahead of me and I’m keen to start showcasing that. Hopefully I can improve a lot as a player at Warrington.

« I’ve been at Wests for six years and that’s pretty much all I’ve known. I’ve grown a lot since playing my first year up to now and I’ll always be grateful I got to play in the NRL and represent the Wests Tigers. I’m keen for my next chapter now which is in Super League. »

Gil Dudson (left) will join Warrington at the end of the season

Kasiano and Dudson join from Catalans Dragons on two-year deals for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, bringing a wealth of Super League experience with them.

Warrington head coach Daryl Powell was full of praise for his new signings, praising them as ‘perfect’ for his squad.

« I’m delighted we’re able to boost our front row for this season and next with three real quality signings, » said Powell.

« You only have to look at the last time we faced Catalans at what a handful Sam [Kasiano] is.

« Having spoken to him he’s a genuine, nice guy who’s passionate about the game.

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James Maloney’s drop goal in golden point extra-time completed an epic comeback from Catalans as they beat St Helens by a single point.

« All I’ve heard since coming to the club is we need ‘size’ and Sam certainly fits the bill.

« He’s a big man who can play and run over the top of people. He understands the game, is competitive and has a skillset which is perfect for how I like the game to be played.

« Gil [Dudson]’s a perfect starting front-rower. He’s a tough, aggressive prop who sets the platform up for the rest of the game through the middle. He’s got key leadership skills too having been in the game for a long time and I think he’ll be awesome for us.

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« Thomas [Mikaele] is 24 and I wasn’t sure we’d be able to get someone like him from the NRL so I’m delighted he’s signed with us. He’s an explosive ball carrier, an extremely hard-worker and a big unit who carries the ball with intent.

« He can dismantle a defensive line and is another perfect signing. »

The signings of Mikaele and Kasiano are subject to work permits.