Written by Rugby Football League
Photo by Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors have confirmed the arrival of Mike Cooper from Warrington Wolves with immediate effect.
Initially, Cooper signed for Wigan for 2023 but an opportunity emerged for him to join the Club immediately and the prop forward arrived at Robin Park Arena on Monday. He is in contention to be in this week’s squad and could make his debut against Leeds Rhinos on Thursday.
The 33-year-old England international brings a wealth of experience to the Wigan team, playing 238 games for Warrington Wolves and making 69 appearances for St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL.
Warriors Executive Director, Kris Radlinski, said: “Once it became clear to Mike that he was not part of Warrington’s plans for the remainder of the year, we seized the opportunity to strengthen our squad at a key point in the season. With eight games to go before the Play-Offs begin, we get a guy with bags of experience who is hungry for success. We look forward to him getting started and is available for selection immediately.”
On arriving at the Club, Cooper told Wigan TV: “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind but I’m here now and I just want to get started and put my best foot forward.
💪 "I want to be part of success. Hopefully I can add to what we've already got here."
🎥 Mike Cooper's first interview with Wigan TV is available to watch here 👉 https://t.co/X3BrP9q2kH#WWRL pic.twitter.com/DAbGYCBer6
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) July 18, 2022
“”It’s a proud Club with huge history and proven success and I want to be a part of that. Hopefully I can add to what we’ve already got here. Wigan have a history of playing a certain way – playing with a load of intent and that suits me.
“We’ve got a fantastic pack already and some young lads and I’ll bring that experience, but first and foremost it’s about earning people’s respect. It’s about fitting into the culture here and making mates with everybody – from the office staff to the performance staff and players. It’s one big family and I’m really happy to be a part of it.”
Cooper is contracted to Wigan for 2023 and has a further 12-month option.
He takes the No.36 shirt for the remainder of this season.
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