Wigan Warriors have signed England centre Jake Wardle from Huddersfield Giants on a three-year deal.
Centre/winger Sam Halsall, 21, and young prop Jack Bibby have moved in the opposite direction on permanent deals. Wardle, 23, is rated one of Super League’s top young talents but he fell out of favour at Huddersfield this year when he was unable to push past Ricky Leutele and Leroy Cudjoe. He joined Warrington in a loan deal in June with Toby King - who, ironically, has also now signed for Wigan in 2023 - going the other way.
Wardle still had a year left on his contract and his departure will surprise some Giants fans. He made his try-scoring England debut in a win over the Combined Nations All Stars earlier this year and also came off the bench against Fiji on Friday.
Wardle, who essentially replaces Jake Bibby following the centre's own move to Huddersfield, said: “It’s all happened pretty quickly. I want to take the opportunity with both hands. One of the main reasons for coming was Matty Peet who has known me since I was 16. The club speaks for itself – I want to bring some more success to the club and win trophies.
“The facilities are unbelievable and first class. I can’t wait to get stuck in and bring what I can to the team.”
Wigan boss Peet added: “We have high expectations for Jake and look forward to welcoming him and his family into our Club. He is a player we have admired throughout his development and he is a credit to the Huddersfield Giants Academy. We are confident that he will be a great fit for Wigan.”
Academy product Halsall scored eight tries in 17 first-team appearances for Wigan while Cumbrian Bibby - Jake Bibby's younger brother - made a single senior appearance, his try-scoring debut against Hull KR in August this year. Peet added: “We wish Sam all the best at Huddersfield, he is a quality young man and will be a great addition to a strong Giants team. Jack comes off the back of an outstanding year in the Reserves and on loan. He is very professional and hard-working; we wish him every success.”
Huddersfield boss Ian Watson said: "Sam and Jack are two very good additions to our 2023 squad. Halsall is a player who has come through every level at Wigan and gained international honours at England Knights, his ability on the wing, at centre to pop up and create or score a try from nothing is there for all to see but what I really like about Sam is how hard he works for the team and his competitive spirit.
"Jack is a young middle and an England youth international who I noticed while watching our reserves against Wigan. His desire and tough physical approach in attack and defence to take on our pack stood out. Jack then made his debut for the 1st team this year putting in a quality performance and being rewarded with a try on his 1st team debut.
