Gleeson leaves Wolves for Wigan

Warrington centre Martin Gleeson has signed for hometown club Wigan.

Gleeson has moved to the JJB Stadium for a six figure fee and has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Moving the other way is full back Richie Mathers, who joins up with his ex-Leeds boss Tony Smith at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Gleeson said: “It will be an honour to wear the famous cherry and white shirt.”

“I decided some time ago that if I left the Wolves to play for any other club in Super League then it would probably only be my hometown club.

“As this opportunity has now come up I’m delighted to take it. The Warriors have an exciting future and I’m really looking forward to being part of that.”

Gleeson moved to Warrington from St Helens for £200,000 in 2004 and speculation over his move to the Warriors heightened over the weekend after he missed the Challenge Cup tie with York.

Chairman Ian Lenagan said: “I am delighted when Wigan announce the signing of an England International but when he’s Wigan-born, that makes it even more special. Martin is an exceptional strike centre and can play stand-off too and his acquisition shows that Wigan will pay a substantial Fee to acquire the right player.”

Gleeson links up with Brian Noble, who has coached Gleeson at international level with Great Britain.

Noble said: “Martin brings another new dimension to our attacking options as we develop our style of play. I know him well from my time as Great Britain Coach and I’m delighted that he has chosen to come to Wigan.”