Wolves quickly in for embarrassed Raiders star back Monaghan

The 28-year-old resigned from Canberra Raiders after he was photographed in a compromising position with a dog at their end-of-season party.

"We are delighted to be signing Joel as players of his calibre do not become available too often," said Warrington head coach Tony Smith. "Joel is a player we have considered signing in the past."

Monaghan, who will play alongside his older brother Michael

at the Halliwell Jones, had been in demand following his decision to spend 2011 away from Australia.

Chris Hicks's decision to retire meant a space had become available in Smith's squad, and the Warrington coach said: "The timing of this opportunity, along with Chris Hicks reconsidering his retirement, has meant it has all fallen into place for the best interests of all concerned," he said.

"We also feel that it is absolutely the right time to stand by and support Joel and his brother Michael and this will certainly enhance our squad for the season ahead," said Smith.

Monaghan won five caps for Australia, including in the 2008 World Cup final. In addition, he played twice for New South Wales in State of Origin.

Widnes Vikings believe they can justify their tag of promotion favourites as the list of Super League hopefuls for 2012 was narrowed down to just three.

The Vikings were joined by Halifax and Barrow in meeting the deadline for Championship clubs to submit applications for a three-year Super League licence.

Featherstone, as Grand Final runners-up, and 2010 Northern Rail Cup winners Batley were also eligible to submit an application after meeting the playing criteria but both declined.

Widnes were upstaged by Halifax at the RFL's Red Hall headquarters when the Yorkshire club hired a helicopter to beat the snow and got Santa to hand over their business plan. But the Vikings, who drove over the Pennines in an Eddie Stobart truck, remain confident that they can succeed where they failed in 2008.