Wakefield Trinity Wildcats sign St Helens' Chris Dean

Chris Dean made 11 first team appearances for St Helens last season

Wakefield have signed centre Chris Dean on a one-year deal following his end-of-season release by St Helens.

Wildcats made the swoop for Dean, 21, who becomes their ninth close season, after the move for Papua New Guinea centre Jessie Joe Parker collapsed.

"I'm only young still and have a lot to learn," Dean told BBC Radio Leeds. "And I think I can do that from the senior and younger guys here at Wakefield."

Meanwhile, Australian forward Glenn Morrison, 34, is Wildcats' new captain.

Morrison takes over from Jason Demetriou, who left at the end of last season after not being offered a new deal.

Wildcats coach Kear said: "After much consideration the coaching staff decided to offer Glenn the captaincy as reward for a magnificent season in 2010 but also because of the impact that he has on the club off the field."

"It's a great honour," said Morrison, who joined Wakefield last year from Bradford.

"It's a club with a big tradition and to come from the other side of the world and be able to say I'm captain of such a great club is something I never thought when I started playing.

"Fans have put up with some high and lows over the years, and last year wasn't the best but it's our final year at Belle Vue and we want to send them off with a smile on their faces.

"Hopefully we can play some good footie and finish the season a lot better that last year."

Billinge-born Dean, released by Saints in October, owes his chance to the breakdown of Parker's move to Belle Vue.

"I finished at St Helens and was looking for a club," said Dean, who ran in nine tries in 21 Super League appearances in his four years at Knowsley Road.

"And luckily I got a phone call from Wakefield chief executive James Elston giving me the opportunity to come down.

"I'm lucky to come here and work on all attributes of my game. I'm by no means the complete player yet.

"I'm enjoying it so far and relieved that it's all done and dusted and I can concentrate on my rugby.