Wigan Warriors have confirmed that youngster Joe Burgess will leave the side at the end of the 2015 season to join the Sydney Roosters over in the NRL.
The 20-year-old made his first Wigan appearance in 2013, appearing against Hull FC and Hull KR. He then burst into Wigan's first team and secured the wing spot in the 2014 season, scoring 25 tries in 27 games and also scored Wigan's only try in the 2014 Grand Final against St Helens.
Burgess runs out of contract with the Warriors at the end of the 2015 season, and Wigan failed to persuade him to sign an extension, "After many discussions it was clear to me that Joe had made his mind up. I said ‘do you want me to put Wigan's best possible offer to you?' He said ‘No, I want the Sydney lifestyle and to try the NRL'. It's a big step for him and I admire his confidence, but it is a blow for us," said Wigan Warrior's General Manager Kris Radlinski.
"He is totally committed this year and he won't let us down.
"We wish him all the best in the NRL. Shaun Wane and I are still very happy with the options we have in the squad with Josh Charnley and Dom Manfredi along with players like Lewis Tierney, Ryan Hampshire and Oliver Gildart all looking set for game time in 2015."
Joe Burgess added: "Thank you for all the messages, I have signed for Sydney Roosters and I'm very grateful for the lads, coaching staff and the club for being so supportive, it was a hard decision as I've grown up being a lifelong Wigan fan but I didn't want miss the opportunity. I'm going to try my hardest to help the team win every trophy before I do go, thanks again."
Wigan Warriors have also confirmed the re-signing of half-back Sam Powell and forward Ryan Sutton on four-year deals.
The 20-year-old made his first Wigan appearance in 2013, appearing against Hull FC and Hull KR. He then burst into Wigan's first team and secured the wing spot in the 2014 season, scoring 25 tries in 27 games and also scored Wigan's only try in the 2014 Grand Final against St Helens.
Burgess runs out of contract with the Warriors at the end of the 2015 season, and Wigan failed to persuade him to sign an extension, "After many discussions it was clear to me that Joe had made his mind up. I said ‘do you want me to put Wigan's best possible offer to you?' He said ‘No, I want the Sydney lifestyle and to try the NRL'. It's a big step for him and I admire his confidence, but it is a blow for us," said Wigan Warrior's General Manager Kris Radlinski.
"He is totally committed this year and he won't let us down.
"We wish him all the best in the NRL. Shaun Wane and I are still very happy with the options we have in the squad with Josh Charnley and Dom Manfredi along with players like Lewis Tierney, Ryan Hampshire and Oliver Gildart all looking set for game time in 2015."
Joe Burgess added: "Thank you for all the messages, I have signed for Sydney Roosters and I'm very grateful for the lads, coaching staff and the club for being so supportive, it was a hard decision as I've grown up being a lifelong Wigan fan but I didn't want miss the opportunity. I'm going to try my hardest to help the team win every trophy before I do go, thanks again."
Wigan Warriors have also confirmed the re-signing of half-back Sam Powell and forward Ryan Sutton on four-year deals.