Warrington have wasted little time looking for a Chris Sandow sized replacement.
Sandow’s departure from the club was announced on Monday, with Tony Smith confirming that the player’s agent had informed him he would not be returning to the UK.
But plans to replace the halfback are already underway.
“We will get a replacement for him, don’t worry about that,” Smith told the Warrington Guardian.
But who could be on Smith’s wishlist? Here are three potential replacements for Chris Sandow at Warrington.
1. Todd Carney
Tony Smith told TotalRL on Monday that he would like someone a bit “steadier” than Sandow, both on and off the field.
Carney’s track record suggests that he might not fit the bill for the Wolves in that sense, but any coach will tell you that a range of personalities is required to make a successful team.
There’s little disputing Carney’s abilities. When fit, the halfback was superb in his two seasons with Catalans, who were significantly worse off when he wasn’t playing.
He’s a top class halfback that would go a long way to replacing Sandow, and with it appearing that an NRL return could be blocked, the man himself might also be keen on the move.
2. Tuimoala Lolohea
The future of the 21-year-old has been the subject of debate ever since the New Zealand Warriors confirmed the signing of Kiwi international Kieran Foran in September.
Lolohea played 22 times for the Warriors last year and is very highly regarded in the NRL. But, with opportunities likely to be limited next year, there’s a chance that Warrington will be able to snap up the exciting playmaker.
With first-grade experience and a bag full of potential, Lolohea would be a fantastic capture for Warrington.
3. Ben Barba
Like Carney, Barba might not fit the bill for Smith in his desire to sign a “steadier” player.
But this is a guy who won the Dally M Medal, a man who played a big part in Cronulla’s Premiership winning season and is in the prime of his career.
At 27, Barba has so much to give, and if there isn’t an option for him to stay Down Under, Warrington would be the favourites to sign him.
He might be a fullback, but with Stefan Ratchford and Declan Patton available in the halves, Smith could strengthen at the back instead.
