Former Wigan Warriors forward and England international to enter open market for 2024

Former Wigan Warriors prop forward and current England international Ryan Sutton has been granted permission to explore his options for 2024.

That’s according to The Sydney Morning Herald, with Michael Chammas reporting that the 27-year-old could leave the Canterbury Bulldogs at the end of the current campaign.

Sutton joined the club from Canberra Raiders ahead of the 2023 season and still has two years remaining on his current contract.

However, the forward, alongside club captain Raymond Faitala-Mariner, have been told that they are free to explore their options on the open market during the off-season. 

Sutton has made 86 appearances in the NRL since making the switch from the DW Stadium for Canberra in 2019 as the club reached their first Grand Final in 25 years that season.

He did not feature in the showdown with Sydney Roosters as Ricky Stuart’s side fell to a 14-8 defeat at the ANZ Stadium. International team-mates Elliott Whitehead and John Bateman were named in the back-row in the clash.

Sutton made 75 appearances for the Raiders across three seasons before joining the Bulldogs, where he has featured 11 times in the current season.

Ryan Sutton and Luke Thompson set for new clubs

Club and international team-mate Luke Thompson is also set to leave the Bulldogs at the end of the season, with clubs on either side of the globe interested in the 28-year-old prop forward.

Wigan boss Matt Peet previously confirmed his interest in the former St Helens man after Australian journalist ‘Moley’ reported that the Warriors had tabled a huge long-term deal for Thompson.

St George Illawarra Dragons have also recently joined the race for the signature of Thompson, with incoming head coach Shane Flanagan reportedly holding a secret meeting with the off-contract England international.

Thompson, who is yet to feature in 2023 after suffering a nasty pre-season injury, is reportedly on a deal said to be worth $800,000 a season, around £430,000.

Leigh Leopards star and Papua New Guinea international Edwin Ipape is another name linked with the Dragons for next season. Flanagan was a part of the Kumuls’ coaching staff at last year’s delayed World Cup in England.

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