Wigan have won the race to sign Gold Coast Titans hooker Kruise Leeming.
The Warriors have landed the ex-Leeds captain on a four-year contract from 2024. After a fall-out at Headingley, Leeming made an immediate request to leave Super League giants Rhinos in March. That saw him switch to the NRL on a deal until the end of this season.
A clamour of clubs, including Catalans, hoped to snare the England hopeful for next term. But the former Huddersfield player said: “I am absolutely delighted to sign for the Wigan Warriors from next season. When I spoke to Matt [Peet] and Kris [Radlinski] their ambition, standards and culture at the club really resonated with me. I believe my best rugby is ahead of me and when the time comes I will give it everything to help the club achieve success on the field.”
Head coach Peet said: “Kruise is an outstanding hooker who we believe will be a great fit for Wigan. We are delighted to secure him for what should be the best years of his career."
Peet has options at hooker with long-serving Powell, 30, under contract although he was dropped recently. Aussie Cade Cust is out of contract this season. Warriors also have highly-rated Brad O’Neill, 20. Combined Nations All Stars representative Leeming is an established top-flight hooker who was in England boss Shaun Wane’s plans ahead of last year’s World Cup before eventually missing the cut.
He helped Leeds win the Challenge Cup in 2020 and also scored a try in last year’s Grand Final loss to St Helens. Leeming has made six NRL appearances since joining Gold Coast, all off the bench.
