Former Leeds Rhinos man admits ‘frustration’ at Wigan Warriors role after signing for Super League rivals

There were many transfers on Wednesday with St Helens signing Daryl Clark from Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors signing Tyler Dupree from Salford Red Devils in a cash plus player swap deal that saw former Leeds Rhinos man Brad Singleton go the other way.

It’s a busy time in the sport as clubs do some last-minute recruitment for the remainder of this season and next ahead of the August 4^th deadline – with Castleford Tigers also swooping for Lebanese World Cup star Charbel Tasipale.

But on a busy day, it was undoubtedly Dupree’s transfer to Wigan that was the most eyebrow raising, with the 23-year-old England star arriving at the DW Stadium for an undisclosed fee that saw Singleton, who was scheduled to move to Salford in 2024, arrive at the AJ Bell Stadium early.

Singleton has enjoyed a trophy-laden career since coming through the ranks with Leeds Rhinos in 2011, where he helped the club win numerous trophies including the treble in 2015. He then had a brief spell at Toronto Wolfpack before signing for Wigan.

In his three seasons at the DW Stadium, the Cumbrian-born prop has featured 53 times and helped the club win the Challenge Cup Final last season. Now 30, Singleton will look to bring his trophy-winning ways to Salford.

Speaking on his move across Lancashire, Singleton admitted that his role this season left him ‘frustrated’ and his move to Salford has come at the ‘perfect time’.

3 years on, and it’s been a pleasure. I appreciate all the messages.. the fans my teammates and staff you have all been great for me and my family and made us all feel part of the town.

I wish you all the best in the future @WiganWarriorsRL , thanks for the memories! pic.twitter.com/QH5fxFh9kJ

— Brad Singleton (@bradsingo) July 26, 2023

Delighted to get this over the line with help from my man @SMTMUK , I look forward to earning the respect of the team and the fans.. and finishing this year on a high! https://t.co/OCmbXDvzGa

— Brad Singleton (@bradsingo) July 26, 2023

“Everyone could see I ended up in a role for the Wigan team that was different to the previous years and left me frustrated.

“This opportunity came at the perfect time and with the perfect team, one I’ve committed my future to. With still 9/10 weeks left to play excites me, everyone I’ve spoke to at the club have been great with me.”

“I see Salford as a ambitious side that has all the capabilities of being in the big games for the big trophies,” Singleton continued.

“The fan base is lively, vocal and loyal… I look forward to earning their respect.

“I wish all the best to Wigan, and I’m looking forward to my time at Salford Red Devils!”

Singleton could make his Salford debut this weekend as the Red Devils travel to the South of France to take on table-toppers Catalans Dragons on Saturday evening.