Joe Greenwood leaves Wigan Warriors for Huddersfield Giants

Wigantoday exclusively revealed on Sunday he had been targeted by the Yorkshire club.

Coach Ian Watson, who has moved to the Giants from Salford, identified Greenwood as someone who could add some strike to their backrow next season.

The 27-year-old was under contract with Wigan for 2021 but the club agreed to release him. His exit will reduce their wage bill and, of course, lower the amount on the salary cap limit.

Warriors executive director Kris Radlinski said: "During the early part of 2020, Joe had a period away from the club having a spell at the Leeds Rhinos. Due to the season getting interrupted, Joe never actually played a game for Leeds. The catalyst for that move was Joe’s request to try and establish a regular starting position in the run on 13.

"It was during this period that we began to explore the opportunity of John Bateman returning. In order to get John’s deal completed we had to balance that with the possibility that Joe may have to leave at some point. A terrific opportunity has presented itself at the Huddersfield Giants, one that both we and Joe feel he should take.

"Throughout his stay at the Club, Joe has been a model professional, well-mannered and considered. He became a very popular member of the team and he leaves with our very best wishes.

"We have no doubt that he will be a success at the Huddersfield Giants."

Greenwood fell out of the picture earlier this year but returned to the side when the campaign restarted and had been showing some promising signs, playing in the Grand Final after serving a two game ban.

But he remained behind Willie Isa and Liam Farrell in the pecking order for starting backrowers, and Wigan have Bateman returning to the club next season on a marquee contract.

They also have a number of young forwards climbing through the ranks, including promising ex-London forward Kai Pearce-Paul.

Greenwood, who made 43 appearances for Wigan since joining from the Gold Coast Titans, previously played in Super League with St Helens.

He said: “It’s exciting times ahead, and exciting times with the new coach coming on board. The coach has had a lot of success and speaking to a few players that he’s had underneath him they’ve said that he brings the best out of you and especially me coming in to the prime of my career that’s where I want to be, and I want to push for more success.

"The way that Ian Watson spoke to me, the team will be pushing to win everything, and I feel with the recruitment going the way it is that’s definitely possible, like I said It’s exciting times ahead and we can definitely push for silverware.”

Greenwood will follow Joe Burgess (Salford), Ben Flower (Leigh) and Sean O'Loughlin (retired) out of the side, while fringe forward Jack Wells is also thought to have secured a move to the Red Devils.

Head of youth Mick Cassidy also departed as well as lead strength and conditioning coach, Paul Johnson.

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