Wigan Warriors have secured the immediate signing of Oliver Partington from Catalans Dragons as the 2026 Super League season edges nearer.
Partington has penned a five-year deal with the Warriors, ensuring he is tied down until the end of the 2030 season, with Wigan allowing Kruise Leeming to go the other way and join Catalans Dragons as part of the deal.
Leeming joins the Dragons on a one-year loan deal and he is likely to see plenty of game time in the south of France with Alrix Da Costa the only other recognised hooker in Perpignan. As such, it is a deal that seems to suit both parties with Catalans, who still have a couple of loose-forward options, filling a clear hole within their squad.
While Wigan give their pack a much needed boost with off-season recruit Oliver Wilson being ruled out for the season.
Partington started his career at Wigan, of course, and made 91 appearances for the club before joining Salford Red Devils ahead of the 2023 season. He spent just one campaign with Catalans, making 28 outings for the club.
The Dragons will be Leeming’s fourth Super League club, with the 30-year-old representing Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos before making the switch to Wigan in 2024. He has made 57 outings in Cherry and White over the last two seasons and he has played a key role under Matt Peet.
However, with Brad O’Neill and Tom Forber available, Wigan felt comfortable enough to let him go.
Wigan Warriors land Oliver Partington
“I am absolutely buzzing to be coming back to Wigan,” Partington said on the move to Wigan. “I’m really looking forward to earning the respect of the group and the fans. To play for Wigan Warriors was always my childhood dream and I’ve lived that dream once – I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to live that dream again.
“I would like to thank everyone at Catalans for the last year, I enjoyed my time there and I will miss the people and the place.”
Peet said on the deal: “We are all excited to welcome Oliver back to the club. We always hoped we would get the chance to get him back one day and the timing feels perfect. He is a player who always wore the Wigan shirt with pride, and he has been away and developed himself on and off the field as he enters the prime of his career.”
“Equally, Kruise will be an asset to Catalans. He is a fantastic professional, who is a pleasure to work with.”
From the other side of the deal, Catalans boss Joel Tomkins, who has an excellent relationship with those at Wigan, added: “I would like to wish Ollie well on the next chapter of his career and thank him for his outstanding service to the Dragons in 2025.
“Although we are disappointed to lose Ollie, we are presented with an opportunity to reshape our squad with the addition of Kruise. He will add a different dimension to our team, especially in attack. Alrix Da Costa and Kruise will complement each other and provide us with a constant threat around the ruck.”
Leeming said: “It’s a huge honour to join the Dragons. I can’t wait to get to Perpignan and get started. I know how deep the club’s history is and how much everyone at Catalans wants success.
“I believe we have the coaching staff and playing squad to achieve something really special. I’ll be doing everything I can to play my part, and I’m very excited that I will soon get to pull on the blood and gold shirt at Brutus and get stuck in! Visca els Dracs!”
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