Huddersfield Giants have completed a swap deal with Castleford Tigers that will take Joe Wardle back to the John Smith’s Stadium in exchange for Jordan Rankin.
The club say it is a loan move with a view to becoming a permanent arrangement.
Wardle, who made 125 Betfred Super League appearances for the Giants from 2011-2016, will fly back from Castleford’s training camp in Lanzarote in time to link up with his new club on Monday.
Wardle, 27, who joined the Tigers a year ago after cutting short his spell with Australian club Newcastle Knights, will be united with his 20-year-old brother Jake, who has been given the Giants squad number 20 for the 2019 season.
Rankin, 27, an Australian who previously played in Super League with Hull FC, made 30 appearances for Huddersfield in 2018 but did not figure in coach Simon Woolford’s future plans.
Castleford director of rugby Jon Wells said: “Jordan is a player that I have admired for a few years now and we’d be delighted to welcome him to the Tigers.
“He’s a very experienced, high-quality player who we think will be a great fit at the club.
“He is a fantastic competitor who can provide options in a number of positions and further strengthens our backline, so we can’t wait for him to get started with us.”