Wakefield spend a Penny in squad rebuild

The 22-year-old former basketball player made a spectacular entrance into rugby league in 2007 with 13 tries in his first 13 starts for the Wolves which earned him a place in the Super League Dream Team and the England train-on squad.

But he has since faded from the scene and made five appearances on loan to Harlequins this year after failing to make the Warrington first team.

Wildcats coach John Kear is confident he can help Penny fulfil his potential as a direct replacement for Damien Blanch, who has joined Catalans Dragons.

"Kevin is a natural athlete who is blessed with real pace," he said. "As Damien Blanch has moved on we need a main strike player and Kevin can fill that role for us.

"Kevin fits into the policy we've adopted here at Wakefield of signing young British players who have something to prove and the hunger to do well in the sport.

"He is an exciting player who has already proved that he can score tries at the highest level of the British game and we believe he can become a real favourite with our fans."

Penny is Wakefield's fourth recruit for 2011 following the signing of Salford half-back Jeremy Smith, Hull KR second rower Frankie Mariano and Featherstone centre Jesse Joe Parker.