Warrington Wolves are set to win the race for Newcastle Knights back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon, according to reports in Australia. The Newcastle Herald claims the Wire are in pole position to land the forward and are set to beat Leeds Rhinos to his signature.
Rugby League Live had previously reported that both Warrington and Leeds had held talks with the 29-year-old, who has played regularly in the NRL throughout the campaign. But it is now being reported that Warrington have pushed ahead of the Rhinos in the battle to sign him.
As talks have developed, there has been a feeling that Warrington would ultimately prevail. There has been an increasing confidence at the Halliwell Jones Stadium that they would land Fitzgibbon and that now appears to be the case.
Fitzgibbon has played 13 times for the Knights this season, scoring three tries. In total, he has played 111 NRL games, all for the Knights where he has spent his entire professional career. He will add further depth to the Warrington pack and their back-row department. Though they do boast Ben Currie and Matty Nicholson, their options are limited in that department.
Read more: Leeds Rhinos duo doubtful for Warrington Wolves clash as Rohan Smith's side offer reminder
Warrington currently have two quota spots following the mid-season departures of Thomas Mikaele and Josh McGuire, with Fitzgibbon now likely to take up one of those positions. As for Leeds, it's a blow to their recruitment plans. The Rhinos are one of very few clubs who are thought to have yet secure a signing for next season but the back-rower was a top target.
