Wigan Warriors centre explains departure despite shining at the club

Ben O’Keefe has left the Wigan Warriors to join the Rochdale Hornets in 2023.

He scored nine tries in eight appearances whilst on loan with the club in 2022.

However, it is a surprise to see him leave the Warriors.

He was an influential figure in their academy and reserves sides all season helping along an unbeaten season as the Warriors went on to win the reserve Grand Final against Wakefield Trinity,

He was also named Wigan’s man of the match in his first team debut for the club as they lost 38-28 against Hull KR standing out ahead of six other debutants on that occasion with a brilliant day with the boot when kicking at goal and also an try on debut.

He will bring that potency both with the boot and with try scoring to the Hornets in 2023 who have beaten Super League clubs to his signature.

However, O’Keefe has now explained why he had made the permanent switch to the Hornets in 2023:

“I’ve chosen to re-sign with Hornets as I really enjoyed my time here, in 2022. I felt like I could play freely and that made me start enjoying the game of rugby again.

“I’m excited to start the season and hopefully I’ll be able to make a big statement in League 1. Working under Gary again will be a pleasure – he knows what he wants from the team and he’ll make sure we are all right for the start of the season.”