GREAT NEWS: An NRL-affiliated center signs a five-year contract.
NRL teams may have expressed interest in Wigan Warriors center Jacob Wardle, but he has agreed to a five-year contract and won’t be entering the competition anytime soon.
Wardle has agreed to a new deal that would keep him with the Wigan Warriors through the conclusion of the 2029 season, indicating his decision to stay in the Super League.
A few NRL clubs were reportedly interested in stealing the Wigan player, who was part of the team that beat the Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge earlier this year, according to News Corp.
A former Super League champion, Wardle was named to the 2023 Super League Dream Team and took home the Harry Sunderland Trophy—the Super League version of the Clive Churchill Medal—for his man-of-the-match effort in the Grand Final.
In addition, he has played in more than 100 Super League games and made two international appearances for England.
Since signing, I’ve let everyone know how much I love being here. I’m excited to see what unfolds in the next five years and it seems like home,” Wardle remarked in a club statement.
Given that his older brother Joe Wardle was a former player for the Newcastle Knights, the outside back is well-versed in the NRL.
Joe signed a three-year contract with the Knights, but he only played in 17 games before leaving the team to return home to England due to homesickness.
Coach Matt Peet continued, “We’re very happy, he’s a fantastic player and I think he’s in great form at the moment.”
“He’s a great young man who enjoys working with others. He’s well-liked in the team and requires little upkeep. He is a devoted husband and father, and we hope that his family shares our happiness that Wigan has ensured his future.
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