Blake Green set to leave Wigan

Correspondent

Wigan Warriors have confirmed that stand-off Blake Green will leave the club at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old joined the Warriors in 2013 from Hull KR. He had previously starred for NRL clubs Canterbury Bulldogs, Parramatta Eels and Cronulla Sharks.

Green was Harry Sunderland Trophy winner in the 2013 Grand Final win over Warrington, winning the man of the match award despite having his cheek bone broken in the opening minutes of the contest.

“I would like to thank Shaun Wane and Kris Radlinski for giving me the opportunity to play at this historic club,” said Green.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and made some wonderful friends and created memories that will stay with me forever.

“I would also like to give special thanks to Shaun and his coaching staff for improving my game and giving me the tools that I will need to be a success in the NRL.

“It was always my ambition to establish myself as a number 6 in First Grade and being part of Wigan has built my profile that will stand me in good stead in the future.

“2013 was a fantastic year for Wigan, winning the double, and I am confident that my injury will be sorted soon so I can play my part in trying to retain the Super League trophy again.

“The Wigan Club and the fans will remain part of me forever. I leave with a heavy heart but it is the right time for my career and for my family to return to home to Australia.”

Wigan coach Shaun Wane wished the player well, and hoped that one of the club’s growing band of youthful talents would step up to replace him soon.

“Blake has been outstanding for us and a pleasure to coach over the past 18 months,” said Wane.

“I would have loved to have kept him but following discussions it was clear that he wants to return home to Australia with his young family and has the opportunity to join a top club over there.

“His departure provides a great opportunity for one of our young halves to step up and I have every confidence that the likes of George Williams, Sam Powell and ‘Rocky’ [Ryan] Hampshire will grasp the opportunity and cement themselves as first team stars during Blake’s injury absence, making the transition at the end of the season a seamless one.”