Warrington chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick insists star Australian signing Greg Inglis will fit under the Wolves’ salary cap - and has confirmed he will not take a marquee place.
The Challenge Cup holders have pulled off a major coup by persuading the former Australian international to come out of retirement for the 2021 season.
The 33-year-old hung up his boots last April after playing 39 times for the Kangaroos, winning 10 State of Origin series and lifting the 2014 NRL title with South Sydney.
Inglis has been one of the highest profile players of his generation and the Wolves already have their two permitted marquee signings in half-backs Gareth Widdop and Blake Austin.
Fitzpatrick insists that won’t change - and that Inglis’ arrival will provide a major shot in the arm for Super League as a whole following Sonny Bill Williams’ arrival at Toronto Wolfpack.
Fitzpatrick said: “I know a number of people are commenting on Warrington’s salary cap but I can say that he absolutely is not coming over here for the money.
“His salary will reflect the current financial landscape, and he is not a marquee signing.
“Speaking to Greg absolutely reassured us that he is coming here for the right reasons.
“He’s got an appetite to play the game again, and when we spoke to him on Zoom you could see that steely look in his eye.
“He’s had glowing references about the club from Jason Clark, Bryson Goodwin and Matt King, and he wants to come over here and play for Warrington Wolves.
“This is an historical moment in the timeline of both Super League and Warrington as a club.
“His signing was trending second in the UK on Twitter and he’s a genuine star who will put bums on seats.
“This is a signing we have made that is motivated by giving something positive to our partners and members.
“There’s a lot of doom and gloom and sadness at the moment, and while this won’t solve people’s problems hopefully it’s given them something to look forward to.”
Fitzpatrick added that Inglis’ salary would also reflect any changes to the 2021 Super League salary cap, with a number of clubs currently pressing to reduce it in an issue that has split the competition.
Inglis suffered shoulder and knee issues later in his career but insists he is now fully fit.
He added: “To get the opportunity to live in the UK, to play for such a powerhouse club that I believe is on the rise is something I’m looking forward to and hopefully I can add value to the team.”
