Transfer news: Wigan Warriors reveal stance on Ryan Hampshire

Wigan Warriors have a squad packed with talent, and strength in depth has been a key factor in their recent success. In Harry Smith and Bevan French, they have one of the strongest half-back partnerships in Super League.

Smith and French have been a key part of Wigan’s Super League and World Club Challenge winning squads. They are both tied down to long-term deals, with French signing a new four-year deal in April 2024, and Smith committing for five years in 2023.

As a result, Ryan Hampshire has struggled to break into the first team. Hampshire returned to Wigan ahead of the 2023 season but has played just six times since returning. He played at the weekend, scoring twice against Castleford Tigers

Immediate future is with Wigan Warriors

Hampshire’s contract expires at the end of 2024. The Super League transfer market has burst to life in recent days, and Hampshire has been linked with a move away to play first-team rugby.

However, speaking to Wigan Today, Peet reiterated that Hampshire remains firmly in his plans for 2024. The Wigan coach confirmed that he would only sanction a short-term loan to gain match fitness.

“Where Ryan sits in our squad at the moment, he’s always next in across our half-backs and full-back,” Peet stated.

“We have to be careful if we were to ever let him go out for an extended period because he’s a luxury for us to have him as backup to our spine players.

“There might be a time where we do let him go out for a couple of weeks to keep him fit or fresh, but it’s probably going to be reserves or first-team for Ryan most of this season.”

Squad management crucial in bid for silverware

Wigan remain in the hunt for silverware on every front this season. They defeated the NRL Champions, Penrith Panthers, on a famous night in February to win the World Club Challenge. Wigan are currently third in Super League and have reached the Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Peet believes that squad management is key, as the club continues to challenge on all fronts.

Therefore it appears that Hampshire will have a key role to play in the remainder of Wigan’s season.

Only in exceptional circumstances will he depart the club it seems, with his two-try performance against Castleford Tigers a fine example of the quality Hampshire still possesses and the strength-in-depth Wigan have.