WARRINGTON Wolves, the club the Giants face four times in Super League next season, have welcomed two of their new big Antipodean signings on board.

Michael Monaghan and Chris Hicks, from leading Australian NRL side Manly Sea Eagles jetted into the Wolves’ Halliwell-Jones Stadium yesterday.

The key duo then immediately checked in to training, with head coach Paul Cullen believing they will be crucial to his club’s success in 2008.

“I think it’s very, very exciting that we have players of this quality coming on board with us,” said Cullen, pictured right.

“Hopefully this is another piece in the Warrington Wolves jigsaw that will take us to where we want to be.

“That is the fundamental reason along with Matt King and Louis Anderson that we have brought these players to the club for 2008 and beyond.”

Over the last two seasons Monaghan has spent most of his time playing the hooker role, although being naturally a scrum half. Monaghan is delighted to be back at seven.

“I was happy to play hooker when they needed me there, but I made the decision that I wanted to play halfback and Warrington have given me that chance,” he said.

“I have spoken with Lee Briers, who looks a real quality stand-off. I think the halves should really click this year.”

And it was a former Wolves half-back in Andrew Johns that helped Monaghan make his decision to join the club.

“Andrew Johns called me and gave the club a big endorsement. Joey was pretty keen to talk to me and tell me how good the club was doing.”

Hicks, similarly, spoke to another former Warrington player in Steve 'Blocker' Roach, who turned out alongside Paul Cullen in the late 1980s.

“Blocker gave Warrington a big wrap as well. You just get all this positive feedback and you really feel that the club want you here,” he explained.

Hicks and Monaghan both played in this year’s NRL Grand Final, losing 34-8 to Matt King’s Melbourne.

And Hicks is looking to eradicate the scars of defeat.

“It hurt us a lot (losing the NRL Grand Final) and we wouldn’t be coming if we didn’t think we could win something here. It means a lot to us, obviously it’s our job, but winning a Grand Final or a Challenge Cup would be something I would hold close to my heart for the rest of my life.”

Meanwhile, Wigan have signed Samoa centre George Carmont on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old spent three years with Newcastle Knights club in Australia and captained his country in 2006 and was part of the squad who booked a place at the 2008 World Cup.

“We are delighted to have filled our vacant centre slot with a player such as George Carmont who has played consistently well for the past three years in the NRL,” said Wigan owner Ian Lenagan.

“His tryscoring ability and excellent defensive qualities add value and strength to our back line without breaking the bank.”

Carmont is excited about the prospect of playing in England.

“This is a great opportunity for me to join one of the biggest names in world rugby,” he said.

“I have spoken to some of the Super League players in the Samoan squad, particularly (new teammate) Harrison Hansen, and I am really looking forward to joining Wigan.”

Carmont will join the rest of the Wigan players for pre-season training after Christmas.

“I know George well and I am delighted to have signed a player of his quality,” said head coach Brian Noble.

“He has been excellent in the NRL for the last couple of years and is a good addition to the Wigan squad.”