"We've struck a deal and shaken hands on it," reveals Blakeley. "All that needs to be done now is for a contract to be drawn up and signed."

Blakeley was also speaking to Dave Whittle and Tim Street on Thursday and was confident that both would re-sign for next season.

Liam Bretherton, who scored 45 points in five games on loan from Wigan at the end of the season, has also agreed to make his move to Hilton Park permanent.

They will be joined by Welsh international forward Chris Morley has joined on a two-year deal.

Morley, in the Wales squad for the World Cup, is 26 and played with Sheffield Eagles last season but previously had considerable Super League experience with both St Helens and Warrington.

Eccles-based, Morley is the brother of Leeds and Great Britain backrower Adrian.

Coach Paul Terzis, who is still in Australia, is talking to an outside back and a forward with a hot reputation.

Both are of English parentage so would not count on the overseas quota.