WARRINGTON Wolves chiefs have poured cold water on speculation that they may release scrum half Richie Myler.

Rumours all week in Humberside media linking him with Hull Kingston Rovers were fuelled further after Wolves confirmed the signing of 25-year-old Gary Wheeler from St Helens last night, Wednesday.

Stand off Wheeler, who can also operate at centre and wing, joins on a one-year deal as backline cover, while Myler has a further season on contract after being brought in from Salford for a £200,000 fee in 2010.

Wolves chief executive Andy Gatcliffe confirmed: “There is no interest from us in letting Richie Myler go. It’s just message board rumours. There has been no contact from us with Hull Kingston Rovers.”

Myler, after regaining match sharpness following 15 months interrupted by injury, finished Wolves’ season strongly in a half-back partnership with Gareth O’Brien.

Injuries, mainly unrelated, have blighted Wheeler’s career so far, hence his release by the champions.

The former Blackbrook junior and England Schoolboys international has undeniable talent, though, including his powers of evasion with the ability to beat a man with nimble footwork.

His deal with Wolves will be an opportunity to see if he can flourish in a new environment, as can sometimes be the case for players.

Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith takes up the reins from his old teammate and good pal, departing Saints coach Nathan Brown, in trying to establish some consistency of availability in Wheeler’s career.

He said: “I’ve been a big admirer of Gary’s ability for some time.

“I first witnessed his skills when he played for England Academy. He’s extremely versatile and will add real depth to the squad.

“At times he’s had some bad luck with injuries but we’ve assessed the situation and look forward to him contributing to the 2015 season.”

Wheeler has made 64 appearances, including 11 off the bench, for Saints since his debut 2008 season.

Twelve games in 2014 included an impressive try-scoring display from stand off against Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in February.

Injuries have disrupted each of Wheeler’s campaigns so far, including four months out with a ruptured hamstring tendon in 2013 and a similar length of time on the sidelines after a shoulder operation in 2011.

At the start of 2014, Brown referred to Wheeler, who has appeared in the Championship with Rochdale Hornets on dual registration, as a classic number six who had shown good attitude and consistency in training and had earned some luck.