PAUL Cullen says Wolves have signed Michael Monaghan because he has the experience and organisation skills to link up with Lee Briers and guide the side when the skipper is absent.

Wolves have often struggled when Briers has not been on the field in recent seasons but Cullen is confident that Manly half back Monaghan can take a leading role in those situations, as well as forming an effective partnership when both players are available.

"We're loading from above," said the Wolves boss.

"Michael's maturity, his mental toughness, his ability as a half back and his leadership qualities are all assets that are going to serve this club well over the next few years.

"Unfortunately we've experienced many occasions so far this year when not only have we lost a half back, we've lost both of them and the other one in Simon Grix, who was supposed to come through and step into the breach.

"That's been a major factor in our decision-making process, to go for a player of Michael's character and ability.

"A lot of our organisation does rest firmly on the shoulders of Lee Briers, although Jon Clarke and Vinnie Anderson have performed and given exceptional value when we've not had Lee Briers, Chris Bridge or Simon Grix.

"But you can't do that indefinitely and what we've decided to do is bring a player to the club who has got great leadership qualities and maturity.

"The evidence of that is his performances not only this year in taking Manly to the top of the NRL but last year and the year before as well.

"He's very well versed in getting a club from where it is to where it wants to be.

"I think he's a great organiser. He's very tough, physically and mentally, and gives everything he's got.

"He's a very smart player with the ball and a very tough defender.

"They're some of the many things that have attracted us to him."