Huddersfield Giants opponents Warrington have confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in rugby league by announcing the signing of highly-rated hooker Daryl Clark from Castleford.
The 21-year-old Clark, who scored his side’s first try in Saturday’s 23-10 Challenge Cup final defeat by Leeds, will leave his home-town club at the end of the season and join the Wolves on a four-year contract.
Clark, whose outstanding form this year earned him a call-up for England, has been linked with a move away from the Tigers since submitting a transfer request two years ago and Castleford revealed on Wednesday that the deal was completed last year at the height of their financial troubles.
Chief executive Steve Gill said “It is with a heavy heart that Castleford Tigers can confirm the sale of Daryl Clark to Warrington Wolves at the end of this season.
“The sale was agreed back in 2013 when the club had a real threat of going into administration and this decision was made to ensure we had financial stability at the club.
“We negotiated Daryl’s services for this season as part of that sale and he has been an integral part of our success this season.
“The club would like to place on record our thanks to Daryl for his professional attitude and commitment this year and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Clark, who came through Castleford’s scholarship and academy system before making his first-team debut in 2010, said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here at Castleford Tigers.
“This is my home-town club and I will always be a Cas fan. My proudest moment has been helping this team reach the Challenge Cup final and I’ll continue to give my all to help Castleford Tigers reach the Super League Grand Final.”
Castleford coach Daryl Powell said: “When I took on the head coach job last season the deal had already been done for Daryl to move to Warrington which secured the future of the club at that time.
“Whilst we obviously don’t want to lose our best players, this deal was in the best interests of the club.
“I have to say that Daryl has been an absolute pleasure to work with and it has been great to see him mature as a player and person this season.
“I know he will be working exceptionally hard to finish his time at the club with a Grand Final appearance.”
Clark will be a straight replacement for Australian Michael Monaghan, who is retiring at the end of the season, while Castleford are thought to have lined up the signing of former St Helens hooker Scott Moore, who also spent time at the Giants.
