AMONG departures announced by Warrington Wolves this week, Chris Riley’s exit has raised some eyebrows.

The homegrown 26-year-old, as well as former Australia Test back rower Trent Waterhouse, along with young guns Danny Bridge, Jordan Burke, James Saltonstall and Gavin Bennion, will join Michael Monaghan in finishing with the club when the season ends.

Riley, who exits with a year still to run on his contract, appeared on the wing in each of Wolves’ three Challenge Cup Final successes and two Grand Final losses under Tony Smith over the past five years.

The England Knights international, who has scored 120 tries in 180 games in primrose and blue, was given first shout on the wing in the opening round of Super League this year.

But he was then dropped, could not regain a place in the team, joined Wakefield on loan and has been there all season.

It appears, with Wolves’ blessing, that Riley has snared himself elsewhere a longer deal than the one he had at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, although the club and terms are yet to be announced.

Head of coaching and rugby Smith says the strength of the three-quarter talent coming through the club’s ranks – with Rhys Evans and Gene Ormsby holding down spots this year – has played a part in Riley’s Warrington days ending.

Smith said: “We have some young players coming through who have been doing a terrific job for us this year.

“It would be nice to keep all players, but the more you produce the more that have to be squeezed out at some stage too.

“Chris was given the opportunity to go and play Super League at another club and it’s been good for him.

“Part of it is opportunity. Chris was off contract in a year’s time and I think he’s been able to secure himself a bit of a longer future at his prospective club and it was an opportunity for him.

“We’re good friends and talked to each other a lot about some of these big decisions for his career.

“Chris made some decisions and I think they are wise decisions and best for him.

“Chris is going to end up at a club that he can be pretty assured of playing Super League week in, week out, and that just wasn’t going to be a guarantee that we could give here.”

Riley’s 5ft 8ins frame could have gone against him in Smith’s selection thinking too.

Smith said: “Wingers are getting bigger and more robust nowadays.

“I think the aspects of the game such as plays one, two and three in an attacking sense – when returning the ball – is a big task for little men to achieve.

“We’ve had to make some adjustments there.

“That’s some part of it. Chris has some terrific attributes as well that he’ll always have.

“His speed and some of his tryscoring ability is fantastic.”

Riley has taken to Twitter to thank supporters, the former Woolston Rovers flyer saying he has had a great time playing for his hometown club and his decision to leave “comes down to rugby alone”.

He added: “There’s been plenty of moments good and bad in my time with Warrington but to win three Challenge Cups with them will stay with me forever.

“Warrington will always have a place in my heart and I wish them all the success in the future.”