Lachlan Fitzgibbon: Super League was on my radar

A new chapter is on the horizon for Warrington Wolves, with incoming head coach Sam Burgess tasked with guiding the way in 2024. And it was a combination of both Burgess' arrival and a parallel in home comforts that has made life at Warrington a settled one so far for new signing Lachlan Fitzgibbon.

The 29-year-old Australian second-rower has made the move halfway across the world to Warrington from overseas, having spent his entire career with NRL side, Newcastle Knights - where he scored 31 tries in 112 appearances. But Fitzgibbon believes his best years are still in front of him on the rugby league pitch, as he prepares to pull on a Wolves jersey for the first time next season.

Welcome to #SuperLeague @lachfitz ? pic.twitter.com/NtZtttgP4S
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 6, 2023

Fitzgibbon's signing was announced mid-way through the 2023 campaign and in some ways, relieved any pressure where contracts were concerned. Knowing his future had been secured, this allowed Fitzgibbon to fully focus on his final year in Newcastle colours, where his former club produced a stunning winning streak towards the back end of the season, achieving a fifth-place finish and reaching the NRL semi-finals.

Speaking exclusively to Wire TV, Fitzgibbon explained that his move has been a smooth transition, and one that was fully backed and supported by the Knights club.

"I felt for me and my partner that this was the perfect time to move overseas and give myself a new challenge. I can't wait to get out there.

"I'd been at the Knights for ten years coming through as a junior and I couldn't see myself playing for another NRL side. Super League was on my radar, and when I signed last year Warrington were going really well.

"After I signed, I was going to put all of my energy into the Knights until the end of the season and once this season came around, then I?d change my focus." 

Welcome to Warrington, Lachlan! ?? pic.twitter.com/TwJOJFd5ez
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) July 6, 2023

Fitzgibbon had originally signed for Warrington under Daryl Powell back in July, but a change in head coaches hasn't affected any decision-making, the former Newcastle Knight has insisted:

"It was unfortunate the way it ended with Daryl but with Sam coming on board it made me even more keen to want to get over and start my journey and play under him.

"He is an inspirational leader and an inspirational coach, and I'm sure he'll be successful over here."

This will be Burgess' first job as a head coach, but it's a challenge he is taking in his stride. Well-respected within the game on a global level and famous for his strong leadership and determination to succeed, Burgess is already implementing his ideas and philosophies early on in the Wire camp.

And according to Zane Musgrove, one of Burgess' key signings and a former South Sydney Rabbitohs team-mate, the Warrington boss has even been actively taking part and getting involved in the testing pre-season training drills.

"He's been running the hills with us that's for sure. He loves training and loves getting amongst all the boys," Musgrove told Wire TV.

"The player he was and what he demanded as a leader will transfer into coaching and I think he'll do very well."

We are yet to see if Sam is the man for Warrington Wolves, but a successful start to pre-season has been key in gaining the trust and respect of his players, as they all get to know one other ahead of the 2024 Super League season. And Lachlan Fitzgibbon is willing to play his part wherever this may be in the team, despite having played predominantly on the left-edge for Newcastle.

"I have the ability to play both sides and it'll come down to where Sam sees best fit for the team," Fitzgibbon explained. 

"Wherever I play, I just want to put my best foot forward and make sure I'm contributing to the team."

Similarities between Fitzgibbon's hometown and Warrington has also made relocating much easier for the Australian, who is keen to be involved in the community in any way he can.

"It's a great town, has rich history and reminds me of a town in Newcastle. It's a one club, one town team, which is the same as Newcastle. I found a lot of compatibles between the two and that's what's made the move so easy.

"(Newcastle) love their footy (rugby league). Warrington, I believe, with the research I've done, have one of the best supported bases in the game - as do Newcastle. They are very similar towns and very similar communities.

"I'm loving the town and the community, and I think it'll be even better once I get out in front of the home fans."

Day 1 for Lachlan ?
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) November 13, 2023

Fitzgibbon also added: "I'm loving my time here. I'm enjoying the training and the lifestyle and I'm actually enjoying the weather. For me, the weather is a whole experience thing. I've never experienced cold like this. I'm looking forward to the snow."

Lachlan ??? pic.twitter.com/5rOuVtRMCe
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) November 13, 2023

Although like a home from home, Fitzgibbon admits he had limited knowledge of the Betfred Super League until recently, and it was advice from friends and other players that would help him reach that all important decision.

"I knew about the Super League, and I'd always watch it from afar," he told Wire TV.

"But I did do a lot of research about Super League and the clubs over here."

Current Betfred Super League players Luke Yates and Sione Mata'utia were on hand to offer advice, as well as 2019 Man of Steel Jackson Hastings, who has previously enjoyed a successful Super League career, which involved two consecutive Grand Final appearances.

Fitzgibbon also spoke to former Warrington players, including Kurt Gidley - a fan favourite in the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

"I was bouncing ideas off a lot of players and getting different recommendations. Then I found myself at Warrington which I'm glad I did."