Leigh hooker Matty Wildie joins Championship rivals

Drew Darbyshire
Matty Wildie

Featherstone have re-signed hooker Matty Wildie on a one-year deal from Championship rivals Leigh.

The 31-year-old, who can also play half-back, left Featherstone in 2018 after playing 49 games. Wildie made 11 appearances for Leigh in Super League last season.

Wildie has made more than 150 career appearances for Wakefield, Dewsbury, Featherstone, Bradford and Leigh.

Matty Wildie happy to make Rovers return

Wildie said: “I’m delighted, I really enjoyed my time here last time.

“The fans are great, the club’s great, it has got loads of ambition. They’re striving to be in Super League which is something I really want to be a part of.”

Featherstone football manager Ian Hardman said: “Matty is a very experienced, talented performer whose versatility will prove a real asset for the club in 2022.

“Matty knows the club very well and will fit into this environment immediately, so we are very fortunate to have him on board.”

Featherstone fend off interest from other clubs to retain star man Dane Chisholm

Dane Chisholm in action for Featherstone

Featherstone fought off competition from other clubs to retain star half-back Dane Chisholm for the 2022 season.

The 31-year-old Australian has been a fan favourite at the Rovers since joining the club ahead of the 2020 campaign from Championship rivals Bradford.

Chisholm has made more than 100 career appearances for Melbourne Storm, Hull KR, Bradford, Sheffield and Featherstone.

Featherstone coach Brian McDermott said: “Dane is an experienced high quality performer who I’m pleased to see being retained by the club.

“It’s a really strong statement by the club to be retaining players of this calibre. A player who I know had offers on the table from other leading clubs. I look forward to working with Dane moving forward.”

Chisholm said: “I’m so happy to be staying for an additional year. I love it here, it feels like home.

“I’m impressed with the appointment of Brian Mac. I’m sure with his experience and the signings we’ve made to strengthen the side, we can go one step further in 2022.”

READ MORE: Championship ins and outs: Signings and retentions club-by-club