Super League coach hints at signings

Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and Hull KR have all made announcements confirming transfers for the 2024 season.

Wigan Warriors may have done the best business of all however. The Cherry and Whites have drafted in former Leeds and Huddersfield Giants hooker Kruise Leeming as well as his former Leeds teammate Sam Walters.

Catalans Dragosn duo Tiaki Chan and Adam Keighran have also joined the club for 2024.

On Keighran, Matt Peet said: “It’s exciting. Obviously I’ve known for a little bit longer than you guys and was involved in the discussions about recruiting Adam.

“He’ll bring a lot, very balanced player. Has a lot to his game in terms of skill and athleticism. Obviously his goal-kicking is another plus, a bit of versatility.

“I think in his first season in the Super League, right from, I don’t know if it was round one, but I remember watching one of the early games against Wakefield and it stood out that Catalans had done it again and picked a good player up from the NRL.

“I look forward to working with him in the future, he’s got a young family determined to settle over in England. I wish him all the best for the rest of this season, but that gets parked now, it’s done. I understand why you asked the question, but in my eyes now it’s shake hands with Adam and then see him at the start of pre-season.”

Peet also spoke about retention as Wigan extended Kaide Ellis’ stay at the club:

“Yeah it’s essential to have that sort of planning and recruitment in the background and we have very regular meetings. It’s also important that we get that done, plan for the future. But there’s a task at hand for me, which is coaching the present team. That’s my priority, to be honest.”

He did confirm that there is more work going on for signings and retentions:

“There’s always things going on. If there’s anything to tell you, you’ll find out. These things never stop really, but there’s nothing particularly exciting to tell you today.”

Obviously Tyler Dupree has now been signed, a very exciting signing indeed, but with the August 4th deadline still a week away there could be more to come.

He also had his say on Kaide Ellis: “I thought last year he showed what he was capable of but he probably didn’t have the consistency that he’s managed to attain this year.

“I think being settled in the competition, settled in the country, him and his partner, I think this year we’re seeing more regular, the best of Kaide and I think they’ve got more levels in him as well. So yeah we love what he’s about, so that’s one down.

“I think there’s been a few games this year where he’s been excellent. The challenge for him is doing it week in week out, avoiding suspensions, trying to stay as healthy as he can to put that run of form together but he’s doing everything he can away from the game at the moment to ensure that.

“I like his attitude, every day he’s looking to improve. He’s a great fit for the club I believe. It’s clear that he thinks we’re a good fit for him. I love working with him.”