Ian Kirke: Wakefield Trinity Wildcats sign Leeds prop

Kirke played for Leeds in their 2014 Challenge Cup win over Castleford

Wakefield have signed prop Ian Kirke from Leeds Rhinos on a one-year deal.

The 33-year-old, who was part of Leeds' 2014 Challenge Cup winning side, was released just one season into his latest two-year deal with the club.

Kirke won five Super League titles with Leeds since arriving in 2006 and made 13 league appearances last season.

"It's going to be gut-wrenching to leave, but the fact that I get to continue playing makes it somewhat easier," Kirke told BBC Radio Leeds.

Kirke on his new beginning at Wakefield
"At Wakefield I should get more opportunities to play - you get limited years in this career and I want to get as many games as I can while I can."

"I had nine really good seasons at Leeds in terms of what the club has achieved since I've been there.

"I love it to bits, but at the same time I'm a realist. I knew that it probably wasn't going to last forever."

Kirke made 214 appearances for the Rhinos after moving to Headingley from Championship side York City Knights.

After Leeds' play-off exit, he was told first-team opportunities would be limited in 2015 and was given permission to look elsewhere to continue his career.

"At Wakefield I should get more opportunities to play - you get limited years in this career and I want to get as many games as I can while I can," Kirke said.

"They are building a pretty good team for next year and top of my priority list is that I'm a player - I didn't want to just stay at Leeds to train. I feel like I have plenty of years left in me."