Time ticking as Super League star to make big retirement call after shock development

Transfers often prompt more transfers such as at the 11th hour, Wigan Warriors swooped in for former Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants hooker Kruise Leeming beating Super League rivals Catalans Dragons to his signature after there was also reported interest from St Helens if they couldn’t nail down Warrington Wolves star Daryl Clark.

He was one of three quick signings as the club also swooped for Sam Walters as they brought in the former Widnes Vikings forward from Leeds Rhinos as well as Tiaki Chan from Catalans Dragons who have signed Chris Satae from Hull FC.

The Dragons have also lost Mickael Goudemand next year as the Dragons seem to be losing an awful lot of talented players ahead of next year.

And missing on Leeming will be a bitter pill to swallow. The hooker had left Super League earlier this year but he will be back soon.

The Warriors announced that Leeming had signed a four-year deal with the club from the 2024 season.

The 27-year-old, who played for six years at Huddersfield Giants between 2013 and 2019, will join from the Gold Coast Titans whom he joined after leaving Leeds in April 2023.

Leeming has also represented the England Knights and the Combined Nations All Stars.

On signing for Wigan, Leeming said: “I am absolutely delighted to sign for the Wigan Warriors from next season.

“When I spoke to Matt [Peet] and Kris [Radlinski] their ambition, standards and culture at the Club really resonated with me.”

He added: “I believe my best rugby is ahead of me and when the time comes I will give it everything to help the Club achieve success on the field.”

Catalans’ interest in Leeming had raised questions about the future of former Wigan man and Leeds born hooker Michael McIlorum.

The England international was reportedly considering retirement at the end of 2023.

However, according to Treize Mondial in France, Leeming’s decision to go to Wigan could see McIlorum play on in Perpignan and as time ticks on McIlorum surely edges closer to a decision.

Leeming will be hoping for a similar Wigan stint to what McIlorum enjoyed in the Cherry and White.

He won the double in 2013 alongside plenty of other honours.