Lee Mossop returns to Wigan
Wigan Warriors have confirmed that prop Lee Mossop has rejoined the club, signing a three-year deal with an option for one more.
The 25-year-old product of the Wigan youth set-up moved to Parramatta Eels in the NRL last year, after making 111 appearances for the Warriors.
“I want to thank Parramatta Eels for giving me the chance to play in the NRL and experience a different lifestyle in Australia. I have enjoyed my time there however felt it was the right time to return to the UK,” said the player.
“Wigan was always going to be my first choice and I am really happy that we have been able to agree a deal.
I owe a lot to this club having come through the youth system. The squad is a bit younger now and I hope to be able to pass on my experience to some of the other players.
“I was at the Grand Final last month cheering the boys on and hope to be back there again next season.”
Wigan coach Shaun Wane is pleased to welcome the player back to the DW Stadium.
“I rate Lee Mossop highly and am pleased to see him re-join us,” he said.
“As soon as I heard that he might be available, I asked Kris Radlinski and Ian Lenagan to see if it was possible and I am grateful that they have done just that.
“I am pleased also for Lee showing loyalty to the club. Having seen the fans welcome Joel Tomkins back earlier this year, I am looking forward to seeing them give Lee a great reception at the DW next season.”
Wigan chairman Ian Lenaganwas also pleased to welcome the player back to the club where his career began. He also reassured Wigan fans about the player’s health, after problems with injury.
“I am pleased but not surprised that Lee has decided to re-join the Wigan club,” he said.
“When Lee moved to Parramatta, we had a first option agreement in place to re-sign him should the opportunity arise.
“Once we were made aware of Lee’s availability, we moved quickly to re-sign him and are pleased to conclude an agreement satisfactory to all parties.
“We are aware that Lee has had issues with his shoulders in the past which did not resolve with keyhole surgery but he has now had advanced surgery to put them right and our medical specialist advise that statistics have proven the surgery to work in 97percentage of shoulder cases.
“As is the case in instances like this, we have put provisions in Lee’s contract to protect the club against recurrence.
“We all know that a fit Lee Mossop is one of the best Front Rowers in the game and I have confidence in my coaching staff to bring the best out of him again and, hopefully, even more with his shoulder problems fixed.
“Lee had a lot of interest from rival clubs but preferred to be back at Wigan.
“This is another positive for Wigan and for rugby league in this country and serves only to vindicate our policy of allowing players to play in other competitions whilst keeping the option available for them to return to the club in the future.
“With this deal, there will now be a few consequential changes to our squad for the 2015 season to follow.”