Riddell signs three-year Wigan deal

10:13pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

RUGBY LEAGUE: Wigan have signed Parramatta Eels hooker Mark Riddell for next season.

The 27-year-old Australian has agreed a three-year deal which will keep him at the JJB until 2011.

Riddell, a goalkicker who joined Eels from St George Illawarra in 2005, has scored an impressive 621 points in 169 games in NRL. He represented the City Origin team in 2004 and 2005.

"Wigan is the biggest name in world rugby and it is a wonderful opportunity for me," said Riddell. "I am really excited about the next three years.

"However, I am sad to be leaving the Eels after three massively enjoyable years and am grateful to the club for allowing me to go."

Wigan owner Ian Lenagan, who was in Sydney on Tuesday to conclude the deal, added: "He is exactly the type of hooker Wigan needs to lead our forwards and to further develop young Michael McIlorum.

"He adds strength and size, brings spark to our attack and is a hard-working defender who plays considerable game time. His kicking from hand and goal-kicking skills are an additional benefit.

"Mark is a great character on the field who will go down very well with the Wigan fans and is looking forward to testing himself in the English Super League."

Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said the club were not going to deny Riddell a chance to play for one of the giants of world rugby after releasing him from his contract a year early.

He said: "We can assure Wigan Warriors fans that they are getting a player who will give his all every game."