The Canberra Raiders beat out “four-five” NRL sides to sign the England star

Nicholson has been linked with a move down the pecking order and only recently did Sam Burgess speak out on the subject, explaining that he had long and honest conversations with the 20-year-old about the reality and prospect of moving on at such a young age.

Burgess had said: “He has ambition and I respect that. If it goes like that, we’ll send him in the best shape possible and with the most experience possible, but he’s a great player.”

Of course, Sam Burgess did it himself and would go on to become one of the most dominant forwards of his era and arguably the best Englishman in the NRL, meaning Nicholson will have been incredibly well advised in this regard.

Quiz: Can you name the NRL teams these 10 English players have played for?

Nicholson will be the latest in a string of England players to play for the ‘Green Machine’, with Morgan Smithies moving to the club ahead of this season, while the likes of Nicholson’s current club and national captain George Williams have represented them and the Raiders in his time. down time.

Canberra Raiders sign Matty Nicholson

Credit: Imago Images

Michael Chammas has given the update on his social media that Matty Nicholson, who the Wire signed from Wigan at the end of the 2022 season, will be on his way.

Nicholson still had a year left on his contract with Warrington Wolves but is leaving a year early to take a chance.

Chammas posted on X: “Some 100% Footy news tonight…young English backrower Matty Nicholson has agreed to join the Canberra Raiders from next season. He is 20 and plays for Warrington under Sam Burgess. He had 4-5 NRL clubs after him. Good for the Raiders.”

The news could be officially announced in the coming days, with Warrington already confirming they have signed Luke Yates for next season. The Huddersfield Giants captain will join Warrington on a two-year deal.

Sam Burgess spoke of what a huge signing the Australian was, labeling Yates an “outstanding” player.

Burgess said: “Luke is an outstanding player who has been one of the most consistent and hard-working strikers in the competition for several years.

“He will bring great quality and leadership to our group and I am excited to work with him next season.”

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Some 100% Footy news tonight…young English backrower Matty Nicholson has agreed to join the Canberra Raiders from next season. He is 20 and plays for Warrington under Sam Burgess. He had 4-5 NRL clubs after him. Good for the Raiders. @NRLonNine

— Michael Chammas (@MichaelChammas) May 27, 2024