Huddersfield Giants confirm signing of Wigan Warriors outside back for 2023 and beyond

Ian Watson and Jake Bibby are set to be reunited once again.

The two helped guide Salford to the 2019 Grand Final where Bibby crossed for Salford’s only try of the game against St Helens prior to a move to Wigan in 2020 where he reached the 2020 Grand Final.

However, after three years, Bibby is on the move again and will join Watson’s Huddersfield in 2023 on a three-year deal which will see Bibby stay at the John Smith’s Stadium until 2025.

Perhaps a strange move with Leroy Cudjoe, and new signings Kevin Naiqama and Easan Marsters contracted to the club in 2023 however his ability to play wing or centre is vital.

He replaces Ricky Leutele and Toby King the latter who will replace Bibby at Wigan.

On the signing, Watson said on the Giants website: “We’re delighted to add Jake to our squad for 2023. Jake has proven that he is a top level performer that has competed at the top level in Grand Finals and Challenge Cup Finals throughout his career, and can offer us experience of those situations.

“He’s a great bloke and a very consistent, versatile player who works hard and will be a huge asset on both sides of the ball and will offers us a great deal of competition in the outside backs.

Meanwhile Bibby added: “I had really good talks with Ian Watson, I know what he’s all about and what his vision is. Even this season you can see what the club’s striving for and I want to come here and add quality to the side. I know they are on the verge of winning something. I want to come here, add quality and experience and add to a good team.”

“The experience that this club has is excellent; having people like Leroy Cudjoe and Jermaine McGillvary in the squad can only help me. I feel like I am quite experienced myself but there’s still stuff for me to learn from them and it’s just really exciting and I can’t wait to get started.”