Wigan announce several signings

Wigan today completed the signing of several of their players who would have been out of contract at the end of the season.

Commenting on the signings Wigan Chairman Maurice Lindsay said,

"It has been a wonderful day and several of our star players and promising youngsters have committed themselves to the club."

Lindsay continued,

"Of the existing professionals Brett Dallas, Mark Smith and Stephen Wild have all extended their contracts. All three were targets of other clubs and we are delighted that they are staying with Wigan. Bryn Hargreaves and Paul Prescott have also signed for a further two years, and as they are two of the best front row prospects in the country it gives us added satisfaction that they have all come through our Junior Development Scheme along with Stephen Wild and Mark Smith."

Commenting on the signings Head Coach Denis Betts said,

"I am thrilled and it is great work by the club to retain all these players. We are putting the finishing touches to our squad for next season which will once again be a combination of youth and experience."

Dean Bell, the Clubs Head of Development said,

"We will be signing a few more of our young stars in the next few days. We are keen to continue our youth development policy which is proving to be very successful."

Bell added,

"When David Waite announced the 30 man squad who were in line for the tour of Australia and New Zealand we were very proud to have 10 of our players named. That gives everyone at the club a great sense of pride. In the case of Bryn Hargreaves and Paul Prescott they would have been on tour now, but we needed them to play in our first team when we were struggling with injuries. They did not let us down."

The Wigan club are also urging all supporters to pre-purchase their tickets for the huge local derby with St Helens next Friday 20th August at the JJB Stadium, 8pm kick off. A big crowd is expected and to avoid congestion on the evening, tickets can be bought in advance from the JJB Stadium Ticket Office or the Ticket Hotline on 0870 11 22 552.