Going to the Cap battlers
Lewis Murphy 'agrees' deal with NRL powerhouse as Wakefield Trinity brace to lose star
Super League looks set to lose another of its top talents following reports that Wakefield Trinity winger Lewis Murphy has signed an NRL contract. According to the Daily Telegraph, the 20-year-old has 'agreed to terms' on a two-year contract with Sydney Roosters in a deal that will begin ahead of the 2024 season.
Murphy, who is off-contract at the end of the season, was the competition's breakout talent in 2022, scoring 17 tries in 19 Super League appearances for the West Yorkshire club. That included a four-try haul against Super League champions St Helens back in August.
But he now appears set to join the growing list of young players heading down under early in their career. The report states the deal hasn't yet been signed off but that Murphy is expected to sign the deal that will see him arrive at the 15-time Premiers.
Murphy burst onto the scene last season and quickly announced himself as a first-class finisher, helping Wakefield steer away from relegation. It was hoped within the inner sanctums of the West Yorkshire club that they'd be able to retain him, but he now looks set to follow the path of Tom Johnstone out of the club, a year on from his move to Catalans Dragons.
NRL clubs are making a habit of recruiting young English talent, with Dom Young the prime example in recent years. Murphy is set to play a prominent role for Wakefield this year despite the reports, though it appears this year will be his last before taking on a new venture