A RUMOURED player swap between Wigan and Catalans has come to pass.
Back rower Oliver Partington has returned to the Brick Community Stadium and hooker Kruise Leeming heads in the opposite direction for this year.
Leeming is on loan but Partington, who previously played at Wigan from 2018 to 2022, signed a five year contract with his former club.
Partington said: “I am absolutely buzzing to be coming back 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.”
Warriors coach Matty Peet said: “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.”