 Gleeson is one of the best offloaders in Super League
|
Wigan have confirmed the signing of England centre Martin Gleeson from Super League rivals Warrington on a three-and-a-half year deal.
And former Leeds full-back Richie Mathers has moved from Wigan to the Wolves as part of the deal.
The two clubs agreed an undisclosed "six-figure" transfer fee for the 28-year-old Gleeson.
"It's a shock move but one I'm delighted with - it's a big step for me," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"I got a phone call saying the club had been approached by Wigan and saying the club were willing to accept a certain amount of money.
"It's been a long time coming to play for my hometown club. I came for a trial when I was 17 but didn't quite make it - but I've got here eventually and I'm delighted."
Gleeson said his decision had also been influenced by the desire to add more winners' medals to the trophies he won in his spell with St Helens.
 |
606: DEBATE
The Vicar
|
Warrington have been tipped to make the breakthrough at the top of the sport for several seasons, but success has proved elusive for the Wolves' talented squad.
"I possibly have underachieved at club level," said Gleeson.
"I thought I was going to win stuff but it never quite happened, for reasons unknown. Hopefully I can move to the JJB and try something different.
"I think (new Warrington coach) Tony Smith will do wonders, but it's probably just run its course for me and Warrington - it's time to freshen up and it's probably best for all parties."
Gleeson's contract will take him up to 2012, and he admitted he would like to end his career with Wigan.
"All my family is delighted - I'm a proud Wiganer and all my family are fans of the club," he said.
"Over the last few years Wigan haven't done as well as they have traditionally. But hopefully this will give me and the team a bit of a boost and we can pick things up from here.
"Any talk of me going to Australia is dead in the water now. I did have ambitions to go and play in the NRL but this opportunity has come up and I jumped at the chance."
Gleeson, who is expected to make his Wigan debut against St Helens on Thursday, was left out of the Warrington team that beat York 56-10 in the Challenge Cup on Saturday so he would not be cup-tied.
He became the most expensive signing in Warrington's history when he joined from St Helens for £250,000 in 2004.
More to follow.
No comments:
Post a Comment