Wigan say farewell to five

The end of Wigan’s season on Friday marked the end of five Wigan careers.

Half-backs Thomas Leuluai and Brett Finch are moving to the NRL, along with Jeff Lima, George Carmont is hanging up his boots, while Stuart Fielden will move on to pastures new.

Any hopes of a dream send-off at Old Trafford were dashed by Kevin Sinfield‘s late penalty on Friday, which earned Leeds a 13-12 victory over the Warriors at the DW Stadium.

Head Coach Shaun Wane told the club’s official website: “The two that stand out are Tommy Leuluai and George Carmont, they have been real quality for us and I am really glad I have worked with them this year. It is disappointing for all the boys, particularly those that are leaving, Brett and Jeff as well and I would like to thank them all.”

Leuluai, who signed from Harlequins at the end of 2006, missed a significant chunk of his final year due to injury, but leaves for New Zealand Warriors having scored 60 tries in 188 appearances in the cherry and white.

Front-rower Lima, who won the Lance Todd Trophy for Man of the Match in the 2011 Challenge Cup final victory over Leeds, is heading to South Sydney Rabbitohs, to be re-united with former Wigan coach Michael Maguire, following two seasons at the DW Stadium, where he played 60 games.

Super League Dream Team pair Finch and Carmont are both departing, with Finch yet to reveal his destination, but that’s it for Carmont, who is retiring from the game after 80 tries in 153 appearances for Wigan.

Fielden’s departure at the end of his contract was confirmed by the club last week, after he was limited to just two appearances in the past two seasons.