Former Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity star Ryan Hampshire has agreed a new deal to remain with Wigan Warriors.
Hampshire has put pen to paper to see him remain with the Super League champions for another year after spending much of the 2023 campaign with the club’s reserve side.
The 28-year-old joined the Club for a second spell ahead of the 2023 season while recovering from a serious knee injury. The extension will see ‘Rocky’ begin a sixth season with Club having previously played for Wigan from 2013-16.
Following on from his recovery, he played three times in 2023 as well as featuring for the Reserves team, including playing a pivotal role in the 2023 Reserves Grand Final.
He was regularly praised by head coach Matt Peet throughout 2023 for his conduct and dedication during the season as well as being lauded by outgoing Chairman Ian Lenagan during his Gala Dinner speech in October.
On signing the new contract extension, Hampshire said: “This is the right place for me right now. Getting to work with these players and under the staff at this Club, I am happy to get another opportunity this year playing for Wigan.”
Head Coach Matt Peet said: “Ryan has shown an outstanding attitude since his return to the Club and even when not selected he was having a positive impact on the group.
“It is important that we have competition for places and strength in depth throughout the squad and Ryan brings this across several positions.”
Peet added: “We are delighted Ryan is staying with us, despite offers from other Super League clubs.”
It’s unclear which other Super League clubs had offered to acquire Hampshire’s services but it highlights the high regard in which he is held, his versatility to play a number of positions being a hugely desirable quality.
Hampshire is closing in on 150 Super League appearances having clocked 147 thus far in his career, but one of the first major opportunities that fans will get to see him in the new year under his new deal would be the World Club Challenge.
Wigan are set to host Penrith in February with the Panthers heading over to England to try and lift the crown for the first ever time, whilst Wigan aim for a record-tying fifth win in the competition.
One of Wigan’s victories came over Penrith and that marked the last time the two sides faced off over three decades ago back in 1991.
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