Huddersfield Giants and Warrington Wolves agree high-profile player swap deal

Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants have agreed a high-profile swap deal that will see Toby King and Jake Wardle swap clubs. The agreement will see both players move for the remainder of the season.

England international Wardle scored in the recent game against the Combined Nations All Stars but has found himself struggling for regular game time at the Giants, with Ricky Leutele and Leroy Cudjoe holding down the centre spots. Meanwhile, King, born in Huddersfield, was dropped for Wire’s win over Hull FC last night, with Daryl Powell citing poor form as the reason.

The deal is arguably the highest profile of its kind in years. Both have been around the England squad for the past couple of years and key players for their respective teams before this season. King turned down considerable interest from several Super League clubs to stay at Warrington on a long-term deal last year while Wardle signed a multi-year contract with the Giants previously despite interest from NRL powerhouses Melbourne Storm.

Speaking of the move, Powell said: “The Toby King and Jake Wardle swap deal was one that came up pretty quickly.

“We are looking to build a really exciting outside back division, with youth and pace as a central point of that. Jake fits that bill perfectly, alongside the quality outside backs coming through at the club already.”

Huddersfield Giants Managing Director, Richard Thewlis said: “The deal came about very quickly yesterday and upon reflection is one that suits all parties at this stage of the season and one that both players wanted.

“We have two young men vying to catch the eye of Shaun Wane to play in World Cup and want to be playing each and every week to give themselves the best opportunity to do so.

“Jake has