LEE Briers believes he knows the real reason why Mike Wainwright left Wolves to rejoin Salford this week.

The long-serving Wainwright had been keen to leave and secure his future since being told he would not be offered a new contract at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, with Wolves acceding to his request in recent days.

Briers played with Wainwright for several years and has joked that his good friend has big plans at The Willows, where he had an initial spell between 2000 and 2002.

He said: "Another opportunity arose and we believe actually that the reason he went to Salford was because he had a Testimonial at Warrington and now he's going to try to do it at Salford! Another seven years but knowing Wedge he'll go for that!

"I've played with Mike for 10 years, he's a good mate of mine and I'm sad to see him go. He's been immense, he's been absolutely amazing.

"He's an amazing guy and his commitment has never been questionable when he's played for Warrington. If anybody dares to, I think it's a disgrace because he's been exceptional."