Richards pens two year deal

Correspondent

Wigan Warriors today announce that 2010 Man of Steel Pat Richards has signed a new two year contract with the Club.

Pat’s current contract was due to end in November this year and he has put pen to paper on a deal which will now keep him at Wigan for 2012 and 2013.

The signing has put an end to the recent media speculation that Richards was set to head back to the NRL or was planning to switch codes.

Joining Wigan in 2006 from the Wests Tigers Club in the NRL, Pat has become a fans favourite at the DW Stadium finishing 2010 as both Wigan Warriors and Super League Top Try Scorer with 32 touchdowns, kicking 167 goals. He also swept the board at the Club’s End of Season Awards Dinner where he was recognised as the Player of the Year, the Players’ Player of the Year and the Coach’s Player of the Year. Pat was also the winner of the Rugby League Writers Association Award last year and received the ultimate individual honour of the Man of Steel Award which is voted for by his fellow players.  Earlier this week the 29 year old was included in the Exiles squad to face England in June.

Chairman Ian Lenagan said: “We are thrilled that Pat is staying with us for the next two seasons. He is a world class player and a big part of our future plans. Pat has proven to be one of the stand-out players in Super League over recent seasons and it is great news for the Club that he has committed his future to us for 2012 and 2013.”

Pat Richards added: “I am pleased that my immediate future has now been sorted and I am thrilled to be staying with Wigan. Myself and my family have thoroughly enjoyed our time in the UK, which we now call home, and with the Wigan Club.

“2010 was a magnificent year for me, both individually and for the Club and I am hoping to play a major part in bringing more success to our magnificent fans over the next couple of years.”