Brothers reunited after Wolves sign Monaghan

The 28-year-old former Test winger, who resigned from Canberra Raiders to spare them any further embarrassment over the publication on the internet of a lewd photograph, has signed a 12-month contract with the Wolves.

His opportunity to play alongside older brother Michael, the Warrington hooker, came after fellow Australian, Chris Hicks, announced his immediate retirement, thus creating space on both the club's overseas quota and salary cap.

Monaghan was pursued by a host of Super League clubs after deciding to spend 2011 in Europe to get away from the storm of publicity that was sparked by an embarrassing photograph of him during the Raiders' drunken end-of-season party.

He spoke to Castleford coach Terry Matterson, a former assistant at Canberra, and also visited Catalans Dragons but was already training with Warrington and jumped at the chance to play alongside his brother.

Wolves coach Tony Smith said: "We are delighted to be signing Joel as players of his calibre do not become available too often.

"Joel is a player we have considered signing in the past and it's fair to say that the chance has come along sooner than expected but this will certainly enhance our squad for the season ahead."