Iain Thornley: Wigan Warriors centre joins relegated Wakefield Trinity
- Published
Iain Thornley switched codes to rugby union as a teenager and played for Sale Sharks and Leeds Carnegie before returning to league with Wigan
Veteran centre Iain Thornley has left Super League champions Wigan Warriors to join newly relegated Wakefield.
The highly decorated 32-year-old scored 35 tries in 58 games across two spells with his hometown club.
Thornley has averaged almost a try every other game during a career that has also encompassed stays at Salford Red Devils, Hull KR and Catalans.
"He'll add leadership and experience to what will be an exciting backline," new boss Daryl Powell told the club site., external
"He is a big, powerful centre who has been outstanding for Wigan whenever he has played over the last few seasons."
Thornley was part of the double-winning Wigan side that lifted the Super League title and the Challenge Cup in 2013, and he rejoined the club from Leigh Leopards prior to the 2022 season.
In his second spell with Warriors he won the 2022 Challenge Cup, the 2023 League Leaders' Shield and the Super League title, although he did not feature in the squad for the Grand Final win over Catalans.
"To be able to be part of Wigan Warriors again, and be part of winning trophies, are memories that my family and I will remember forever and we are truly grateful," Thornley told Wigan's website., external
He joins a Wakefield side beginning life outside rugby league's top flight for the first time this century, moving in the opposite direction to 20-year-old forward Sam Eseh, who left Trinity for Wigan earlier this week.
Wakefield have not disclosed the length of Thornley's deal.