JOE Westerman is the latest to be leaving Warrington Wolves.

In a shock for Wire supporters, the former Castleford Tigers and Hull FC back rower is being transferred to Toronto Wolfpack, where has signed terms for three years.

Westerman becomes the 10th player to leave Wolves at the end of the 2017 campaign, with only one signing announced so far and the search for a replacement head coach also continuing.

Click here for fans and player reaction to Westerman's departure

Westerman, 27, was under contract at the Wire for one more season – until November 2018 – but the club decided to accept a bid of £130,000 from Toronto.

Chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick said: “We believe this transfer is a great move for all parties concerned.

"It frees up further salary cap space allowing the new coach to recruit players who will enhance the culture of the playing group and hopefully deliver on-field success. We wish Joe all the best at his new club.”He signed for Warrington from Hull FC in 2016.

Since his debut of that year he has made 53 appearances, crossing for 12 tries.

Westerman will join 2017 Wolves teammate Ashton Sims in Paul Rowley's squad.

In a statement issued by the new Canadian club, Westerman added, “I was attracted to the club because of what I’m seeing and hearing off players who are already there!

"It’s a massive club with great support and I think it’s only going to get better and bigger.

"I want to be part of a side that gets the club into Super League where I think it belongs! I’m looking forward to getting started and playing in front of the Wolfpack crowd.”

Westerman first made his professional debut atthe age of 17 for Castleford Tigers.

He quickly became touted as one of the best young talents in the game, capping off a fantastic debut Super League season with the 2008 Young Player of the Year award.

Westerman signed on a record transfer fee from Castleford to Hull FC in 2011, where he enjoyed four seasons with the Black and Whites, peaking to some career-best form in 2014 and was rewarded with his international debut for England against Samoa in the 2014 Four Nations.

Another huge transfer fee brought him to Warrington, where his best form in the first half of 2017 before injury came at loose forward.

With over 250 first team appearances to his name, including two Wembley Cup Final appearances and one Grand Final appearance, Toronto have added a wealth of experience to their 2018 squad.

Wolfpack Director of Rugby Brian Noble was elated with his signature: “With almost 300 games under Joe’s belt already at the highest levels of the game, this is a real coup for the Wolfpack with Joe’s best years still in front of him.

"The Wolfpack fans are going to love Joe’s powerful running style and fantastic skill set and I just can’t wait for the new season to start to see the mouthwatering prospect of the awesome pack of forwards we are putting together, the strength of the wolf is the pack as they say!”