Joel Monaghan will be strong, says skipper Morley

New Warrington signing Joel Monaghan has won five caps for Australia

Warrington skipper Adrian Morley is convinced that new signing Joel Monaghan has the strength of character to succeed in English rugby league.

Morley accepts that the Aussie will be the centre of attention following his photograph in a compromising position with a dog at an end-of-season party.

But Morley insists: "He's a very strong character. The Aussie press absolutely crucified him but he's stood tall.

"We're delighted to have him here. He will stand up to whatever anyone says."

Monaghan was linked with several clubs after resigning from Canberra Raiders following the infamous publication of that lewd photograph.

But Morley is pleased that he is ended up alongside his former Sydney Roosters team-mate, the younger brother of Warrington hooker Mick.

"I'm good friends with Joel from our Roosters days," said Morley. "We had a couple of years together there, so I know him well and I know he's a belting lad.

"All the nonsense that went on in Australia is water under the bridge as far as we're concerned. Let's just talk about his rugby league abilities.

We promised our dad that one day we would play in the same team before we finish our careers

Joel Monaghan awaits the chance to play alongside brother Mick

"He's a fantastic player, a great signing and we're glad to have him on board."

Monaghan's move to Warrington fulfils a promise he made to his father, in playing alongside elder brother Michael, who he had only briefly played alongside before in their days at Canberra.

"We promised our dad that one day we would play in the same team before we finish our careers," Monaghan told the club website.

"We did play one game before Mick broke his jaw and he then moved to Manly. But I guess this will be the first real chance to play a season together."

Apart from his brother, Monaghan Jnr also spoke to two more fellow countrymen, Matt King and Chris Hicks, two more of his new Warrington team-mates, before signing his 12-month contract at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

"Mick, Kingy and Hicksy all gave me great information and advice," he said. "The Wolves are obviously building for the future with some great facilities both at the stadium and training venue, plus the team are obviously doing well given the success over the past two seasons.

"Tony Smith is such a great coach, and although I have not worked with him before, I have heard nothing but good things about him."