Warrington complete signing of Chris Sandow from Parramatta Eels
Thursday 23 July 2015 14:41, UK
Chris Sandow has completed his move to Warrington Wolves before Friday's Super League deadline after being granted his release by Parramatta Eels.
The Australian half-back had been in a dispute with the National Rugby League club for the past fortnight, while trying to secure his release after agreeing a two-year deal with Wolves, starting next season.
Sandow, who made 84 appearances for Souths before moving to the Eels in 2012, will be a straight replacement for Richie Myler, who was not offered a new contract by the Wolves and is joining Catalans Dragons at the end of the season.
Warrington head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith said: "He's a very exciting prospect. He is playing at the top of his game in the NRL, picking up man-of-the-match performances.
"Getting the chance to work alongside somebody as exciting as him is an opportunity that doesn't arise too often. I think he fits our mix. He is a player who plays off instinct and reacts to what the opposition does.
"He's got some spontaneity about the way he plays that's very much similar to my philosophies in terms of attacking prowess. He has got a super kicking game, which at times has probably been an issue for us, so it's an opportunity to strengthen that as well.
"He's a very accomplished goal-kicker as well as a general field kicker. We feel that he'll add a lot to a lot of areas within our game. He's the right person at the right time."
Warrington are hoping Sandow's visa will arrive in time for the start of the Super 8s on Thursday, August 6.
However, he is currently serving a two-match ban after taking an early-guilty plea following a grade two shoulder charge committed in Parramatta's defeat by Canterbury Bulldogs last Friday.
Sunday's final game of the regular season at Castleford will count towards the ban, as will Warrington's Cup semi-final against Hull KR at Headingley on Saturday week but Sandow will be eligible to play at Wembley if the Wolves beat Hull KR in next week's Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-final.
"I'm really excited to be joining the Warrington Wolves," Sandow said. "Tony Smith has been a big part of my decision to move to England. I'm looking forward to working with him and getting stuck in with the boys.
"Lots of people in Australia talk about the passion of English crowds, the noise and atmosphere at rugby league games and hopefully I can add something to the team as we make a charge towards the title.
"My first overseas trip was to England in 2006 with the Australian Schoolboys and I loved it. Meeting all of the Wolves' fans is going to be a lot of fun. I can't wait to get started."
