Wigan Warriors coach reacts to Bibby & Charnley transfer speculation
Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has responded to speculation surrounding off-contract pair Jake Bibby and Josh Charnley.
Bibby, 25, is without a contract for 2023 having signed a one-year contract extension for the current season. The centre or winger has been linked with a move to Huddersfield for next year.
The Orrell St James junior joined his hometown club in 2020 and went on to play in back-to-back Grand Finals, having featured for Salford in 2019. He was ever-present in the 2021 season, making 28 appearances and scoring 14 tries for the Warriors in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Warrington head coach Daryl Powell confirmed that Josh Charnley will not be offered a new contract for the 2023 campaign.
Charnley, 30, has been with the Wolves since he returned to rugby league in 2018. The England international has scored 217 tries in 263 appearances across stints with Wigan, Hull KR and Warrington.
Wigan Warriors boss responds to transfer speculation
Discussing Bibby’s future, Peet said: “I suppose what you get in salary cap sport is sometimes you want to retain players but they might be able to find a package that’s more suitable elsewhere.
“We’re dealing with that constantly; trying to get the balance right about the future planning of the squad and players you want to retain.
“You can’t stockpile is what I would say. Sometimes it’s the right thing for players to move on.
“I don’t want to comment on Jake specifically. But what we’re trying to do is get the balance right in our squad over the coming season and the current window of recruitment and Jake comes into that category and he is coming towards the end of his contract.
“There’s no doubt he’s a quality player. He’s been brilliant here. We’ll see how that goes.”
Peet also denied any links to the off-contract Charnley, adding: “I like Josh. He’s a good player and a good lad, but I’m not sure it’s something we’d be looking at, at the moment.
“I hope he gets sorted.”
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