Wigan sign Greenwood as Joel joins Hull KR after his video shame
WIGAN have wasted little time finding a replacement for Joel Tomkins after announcing the signing of former St Helens second row forward Joe Greenwood from the Gold Coast Titans.
The Warriors say they have been in talks with the 25-year-old Greenwood for several weeks, but stepped up their efforts to secure his signature after suspending Tomkins for his off-field behaviour.
Tomkins signed an 18-month contract with Hull KR yesterday, and Wigan hope Greenwood will arrive by the end of the month to take up a three-and-a-half year deal.
Wigan executive director Kris Radlinski said: “Joe is a great addition to our squad and we look forward to welcoming him here.
“We have not got an arrival date yet as Joe has to sort out a few things in Australia, but we anticipate he will be with us towards the end of the month.”
Greenwood made 77 appearances for Saints before leaving at the end of the 2016, played in 22 NRL matches in his debut season with the Titans in 2017 but has failed to break into the team this year and was recently told he could look for another club, news that prompted a flurry of interest from Super League.
Greenwood said: “I am really pleased to have signed a long-term deal for Wigan and to move on to the next chapter in my career.”
Meanwhile, Tomkins has spoken of his desire to make a fresh start after cutting ties with his home-town club.
The 31-year-old dual-code England international was punished by the Warriors eight days ago in the aftermath of his off-field behaviour revealed in a recent video.
Tomkins was also told he would be subject to further investigations but says he took the matter into his own hands by offering his resignation to Radlinksi.
“I’m sure everybody is aware of what’s gone on at Wigan,” said Tomkins.
“I decided that the best thing for all parties would be for me to leave the club and I offered my resignation to Kris Radlinski, which he accepted.”