This morning Huddersfield Giants announced the signing of Jake Bibby from Wigan Warriors.
Bibby reunites with his former Salford boss Ian Watson at Huddersfield after three years at the Warriors which saw him win a Challenge Cup and contest a Grand Final having done so already with the Red Devils in 2019.
He joins the likes of Esan Marsters and Kevin Naiqama as new additions to a Giants squad growing in depth.
But what about Wigan? The Warriors have already replaced him with former Giant Toby King on loan from Warrington for 2023 and Dean Whare is also expected to join the club. Nonetheless, Wigan boss Matt Peet has his say on Bibby’s departure: “Jake should be very proud of his three years at Wigan. He has delivered everything as expected and contributed to some outstanding moments. He is a quality professional and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
🗣 Matt Peet on @JakeBibby: “Jake should be very proud of his three years at Wigan. He has delivered everything as expected and contributed to some outstanding moments. He is a quality professional and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.” #WWRL pic.twitter.com/Cwtcsr5JDO
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) September 28, 2022
But why was Bibby tempted away from the Warriors? Well it seems it all comes down to Ian Watson as Bibby told the Giants website: “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.”
It can’t have been an easy decision for Bibby to make admitting he has lived a “boyhood dream” at Wigan: “Boyhood dream come true I wouldn’t of changed a thing. Thanks to all the staff, players and the fans for everything.”
Boyhood dream come true I wouldn’t of changed a thing. Thanks to all the staff,players and the fans for everything 👌🏻 https://t.co/c1jaSxJ29q
— Jake Bibby (@JakeBibby) September 28, 2022
Nonetheless, the next chapter of his career will play out at Huddersfield as the Giants look to build on a third place finish in 2022.
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