Super League club beat two huge rivals to major signing

The likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC, Hull KR and Huddersfield Giants have all completed major signings for the 2024 season.

Many of the biggest signings have been from the NRL but some have been from Super League rivals.

There was always a strong chance that more could emerge after Wakefield Trinity’s relegation even despite their recent takeover.

A number of their star men are expected to join rival clubs such as Sam Eseh and a number of clubs were targeting the prop.

Former Champions St Helens were one of the interested parties. The Saints have been out spoken about considering signing another prop with consistent injuries in this area and the retirement of Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook made this more important so Sam Eseh would have been a smart signing. That being said, we may now see Morgan Knowles and Sione Mata’utia move to the middle more after Matt Whitley’s arrival.

Leeds Rhinos were also interested according to reports. The Rhinos are reportedly in the market for a 10 and especially a British 10 due to quota spots being taken by other signings such as Brodie Croft and Paul Momirovski. Eseh could have replaced Sam Walters and Zane Tetevano.

In the end, somewhat out of the blue, Eseh signed for Wigan Warriors perhaps hinting at the impending exit of Morgan Smithies to the NRL.

On signing for the Warriors, Eseh said: “I’m really excited to be signing a deal with the Warriors. Growing up playing rugby I’ve always known Wigan as a club that is relentless in anything they do and that’s something I can’t wait to be a part of.

“I’d also like to thank Wakefield Trinity and the staff for giving me the opportunity to get to this point in my career.”

On the arrival of Eseh, Matt Peet said: “Sam is a player we have been tracking for a few years and it is the right time for him to join us.

“He has already proved himself capable of performing at Super League level and we are confident his attitude will be a good fit for our Club. We look forward to welcoming Sam and his family.”