Sunday 1 October 2017 20:57, UK
Warrington loose forward Joe Westerman has signed for Toronto Wolfpack.
The 27-year-old, formerly of Castleford and Hull, has joined the newly-promoted Kingstone Press Championship side on a three-year deal.
Westerman was under contract at the Wire until November 2018, but the club decided to accept a bid of £130,000 from Toronto for their player.
He signed from Hull FC in 2016 and made 53 appearances, crossing for 12 tries.
Westerman, who won his sole England cap in 2014 against Samoa, follows former Warrington team-mate Ashton Sims to the Canadian club as the Wolfpack set their sights on promotion to Super League next season.
"I was attracted to the club because of what I'm seeing and hearing off players who are already there," Westerman said.
"It's a massive club with great support and I think it's only going to get better and bigger. I want to be part of a side that gets the club into Super League where I think it belongs.
"I'm looking forward to getting started and playing in front of the Wolfpack crowd."
Toronto director of rugby Brian Noble said: "With almost 300 games under Joe's belt already at the highest levels of the game, this is a real coup for the Wolfpack with Joe's best years still in front of him."
Warrington's chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick said: "We believe this transfer is a great move for all parties concerned.
"It frees up further salary cap space allowing the new coach to recruit players who will enhance the culture of the playing group and hopefully deliver on-field success. We wish Joe all the best at his new club."
Toronto also announced the signing of London Broncos hooker Andy Ackers, 23, on a two-year deal.
"This was the perfect opportunity for me to come to the Wolfpack which is a club that probably every pro player wants to be in at the moment," he said. "It's growing rugby league!
"I'm looking forward to getting into training and meeting all the boys and the staff, I'm looking forward to helping the Wolfpack to the Super League where this exciting team should be!"
Noble added: "Andy has got a great rugby league pedigree and I have watched with interest his significant rapid development in recent years. He is a young player who learns very quickly."
