OLIVER Holmes has revealed a family link to Warrington Wolves ahead of joining the club next year.

The second rower will be joining The Wire from Castleford Tigers for 2022 alongside head coach Daryl Powell, with outside back Peter Mata'utia also making the move.

Holmes admits leaving the club he has spent his entire career with was a painful decision but that the challenge of joining Warrington is one that excites him.

“Warrington is such a big club and I’m looking forward to the challenge next season," he said.

"Having been at Cas my whole adult life it was a decision which took a lot of thought but I’m excited for the challenge ahead next year.

“I found out recently that my Grandad’s brother, Geoff Oakes, played for Warrington in the 1960s so to be following in my family’s footsteps is great too.

“Powelly [Daryl Powell] had spoken to me and said he was keen to take me over with him.

"I’ve been coached by him for the last seven years, we’ve got a great relationship and I think he’s a fantastic coach.

"It’ll be good to continue that partnership over at Warrington.

“I think this year has definitely been a big step in the right direction for me in terms of getting my body right and getting to know where the sweet spot is for myself.

"I feel like I’ve hit some great form this year. I’m hoping my prime years are still to come and I can keep improving.

“I’m fully focused now on finishing well for Cas in the best possible way.

"We’ve got the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley to come and having spent my whole career so far at Cas the club means a lot to me.

"I want to end my time here on a high before making the switch to Warrington.”