The bizarre deal was triggered by Saints' refusal to sell players directly to former coach Ian Millward who is now in charge of the Warriors.

Newton, 26, has signed a four-year deal but cannot play until 15 April because of a 10-match ban for dangerous tackles on Sean Long and Lee Gilmour.

Higham, on duty with Great Britain, has signed a three-year deal with Wigan.

I know that the club are hungry for success and have made some very good close season signings Mickey Higham

"Mickey requested a move so he could further his own career and we received an offer from Bradford which we felt we had to consider," said Saints chief executive Sean McGuire.

"We were then faced with the reality that we could either accede to his request and receive a very good fee for him or retain him for the final year of his contract and then let him leave for nothing."

The Bulls paid �70,000 to St Helens for the 25-year-old Higham, who had one year left on his Saints contract but has found himself second in the pecking order behind Keiron Cunningham.

"I am looking forward to working again with Ian Millward," he said. "I know that the club are hungry for success and have made some very good close season signings."

Bradford have been desperate to boost their number nine options ever since veteran Jimmy Lowes retired at the end of last season.

Rugby league is full of people who have made mistakes and then put it behind them Brian Noble

They signed Ryan Hudson from Castleford but sacked him before he had played a single game after he was banned for two years for a doping offence.

Newton is also serving a suspension, but Bulls coach Brian Noble is unfazed.

"We are well aware of the recent situation that has arisen involving Terry and his current suspension," he said.

"However, whilst we sympathise greatly with Sean Long, we feel that once Terry has served his suspension the matter will be closed and he will prove to be a very high-quality signing for us.

"Rugby league, like any other sport and even life itself, is full of people who have made mistakes and then put it behind them.

"I have no doubts at all that he will prove to be an outstanding acquisition for the club."

Bulls were utter suckers From LC Have your say on Five Live

Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay said the deal came about because of Millward's regard for Higham.

"We were prepared to release Terry on the understanding that we would be able to sign Mickey Higham, who is highly rated by our coach Ian Millward," he said.

"Terry has been a terrific competitor for Wigan and we wish him well at Odsal. In Mickey, however, we have been able to sign a quality replacement.

"He's a tremendous attacking player and will be a great asset. He will hopefully help the club to win major honours."