Huddersfield’s Jake Wardle joins Wigan as part of swap deal

Josh McAllister 09 Oct 2022 7:13 PM

Wigan have confirmed the signing of centre Jake Wardle on a three-year deal from Huddersfield Giants.

The move sees youngsters Sam Halsall and Jack Bibby go in the opposite direction to the John Smith’s Stadium on permanent deals.

Wardle, 23, came through Huddersfield’s academy and made his debut for the club in 2016. He has scored 22 tries in 62 Super League appearances, also featuring for Warrington on loan in 2022.

He also made his England debut in the mid-season fixture against the Combined Nations All Stars, scoring on his first appearance.

Jake Wardle on Wigan move

“It’s all happened pretty quickly,” Wardle said.

“I want to take the opportunity with both hands. One of the main reasons for coming was Matty Peet who has known me since I was 16.

“The club speaks for itself – I want to bring some more success to the club and win trophies.

“The facilities are unbelievable and first class. I can’t wait to get stuck in and bring what I can to the team.”

Head coach Matt Peet added: “We have high expectations for Jake and look forward to welcoming him and his family into our club.

“He is a player we have admired throughout his development and he is a credit to the Huddersfield Giants academy. We are confident that he will be a great fit for Wigan.”

Wigan duo make switch

21-year-old Halsall and forward Bibby have made the switch to Huddersfield on three-year deals respectively.

Having progressed through Wigan’s academy, Halsall made 17 first-team appearances for the Warriors, scoring eight tries.

Similarly, prop forward Bibby came through the system and went on to make a single senior appearance – his try-scoring debut against Hull KR in August this year.

“Sam and Jack are two very good additions to our 2023 squad,” head coach Ian Watson said.

“Halsall is a player who has come through every level at Wigan and gained international honours at England Knights. His ability on the wing or at centre to pop up and create or score a try from nothing is there for all to see but what I really like about Sam is how hard he works for the team and his competitive spirit.

“Jack is a young middle and an England youth international who I noticed while watching our reserves against Wigan.

“His desire and tough physical approach in attack and defence to take on our pack stood out. Jack then made his debut for the 1st team this year putting in a quality performance and being rewarded with a try on his 1st team debut.”