Canterbury Bulldogs prop Paul Vaughan has confirmed a switch of clubs for 2023, with the Warrington Wolves officially announcing his move to the English Super League.
It has been heavily speculated that the Wolves, who are struggling this season in the English premier competition, were about to go on a recruitment raid.
It has been tipped that Vaughan will link up with current Bulldogs teammate Matt Dufty, with the duo to be joined by former Dragons teammate Josh McGuire in the coming months for the 2023 season.
Vaughan - who has been in solid form for the Belmore-based Bulldogs on a one-year deal this year - is the first of the trio to officially sign on in the English Super League.
His contract is for two years, meaning he will be with Warrington until at least the end of the 2024 season.
The former New South Wales State of Origin representative, who began his NRL career at the Canberra Raiders, is just a handful of matches away from 200 in Australia's top flight competition, currently sitting on 196.
The Bulldogs have made it clear they are looking to continue rebuilding and reshaping their squad, with no room for either Dufty or Vaughan in 2023.
In a club statement, Vaughan said he was excited ahead of the switch to Warrington.
“I’m very excited to be making the move to Warrington next year," Vaughan said.
“I’ve been extremely lucky with my career in the NRL and I’ve always wanted to come over and test myself in the UK.
“I played in a World Cup in England back in 2013 and I always said to myself if given the opportunity to play over there I’d like to take it up.
“I’m close to playing my 200th game over here and I feel I’ve still got a lot more to give with my footy. I’m coming over with really good intentions to put my best foot forward. I’m my own harshest critic and I like to get the best out of myself week in week out.
“I just want to play good footy and to be part of a successful team. I can’t wait to get started.”
Warrington currently sit in ninth spot on the English Super League table, with the club desperate to win their first title since 1955.
Vaughan will link up with former NRL players Peter Mata'utia, Gareth Widdop, George Williams, Mike Cooper, Jason Clark, Thomas Mikaele and Sam Kasiano - who has been signed by the club - on his arrival in the northern hemisphere.
