Rugby League news LIVE: Wigan step up 2022 plans, Challenge Cup switch, Man of Steel latest

Good morning!

Another hot day on the cards! Here’s some big news from last night, in case you missed it…

Wigan will bolster their pack for 2022 with the addition of prop forwards Patrick Mago and Kaide Ellis from the NRL.

The Warriors have also confirmed the signing of London Broncos winger Abbas Miski as a straight replacement for Dominic Manfredi, who will retire at the end of the year.

They have all signed two-year contracts with the option of a third season at the DW Stadium.

Mago, 26, and Ellis, 24, will move to Super League from South Sydney and St George Illawarra respectively and will fill the void at Wigan created by the departure of George Burgess on the eve of the season and Tony Clubb, who is expected to hang up his boots at the end of it.

Mago, who is of Samoan descent, has made eight appearances for the Rabbitohs so far this season and has also played in the NRL for North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos.

Ellis, formerly with Penrith Panthers, has made six appearances so far this year for the Dragons.

Lebanon international Miski, 25, who joined the Broncos from Manly Sea Eagles at the start of the year, caught the attention of the Warriors after scoring 13 tries in 14 appearances this season.

Wigan executive director Kris Radlinski said: “Abbas has been a shining light in the Championship for London this year.

“With the retirement of Dom Manfredi at the end of the season, we needed a player who possesses similar qualities. He has a crowd favourite written all over him.

“Kaide and Patrick will boost our young pack of forwards. At ages 24 and 26 respectively, both are big mobile athletes who are the perfect build for modern-day rugby league.

“Having spoken to many people in Australia and having met the guys virtually, I was immediately drawn by their desire to come and make an impact in Super League.

“These are three strong rugby league players who will strengthen our squad next season.”

Miski, the son of Lebanese immigrants who was born in Penrith, New South Wales, played in all four of the Cedars matches at the 2017 World Cup and is expected to be in Michael Cheika’s plans for this year’s tournament.

Miski said: “I’ve tried to play my very best at London and a couple of opportunities came up and Wigan were on my eye from the very beginning.

“I know how great the club is and everything about them speaks professionalism and I wanted to be here. I jumped on the opportunity.

“I want to prove to myself and everyone else that I can be a consistent Super League player and I can offer something to this club which will help us win trophies.”

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/rugby-league-live-transfer-news-21095217

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