Wigan Warriors beat competition to sign highly sought-after Wakefield Trinity forward

The 20-year-old arrives on a two-year deal, with the option of a third in the club’s favour.

Eseh was handed a first-team contract by Wakefield in January 2021 after progressing through the scholarship and academy ranks.

He was named the 2022 Championship Young Player of the Year following successful loan stints with Featherstone and Barrow, beating fellow nominees Oli Leyland and AJ Towse of London Broncos and York respectively.

The forward made his Wakefield debut in 2023 against Huddersfield under recently departed head coach Mark Applegarth, going on to make a further 14 appearances as Trinity suffered relegation from Super League.

He becomes Wigan’s sixth newest addition ahead of 2024 alongside Kruise Leeming, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Adam Keighran and Tiaki Chan.

On signing, the East Leeds community club product said: “I’m really excited to be signing a deal with the Warriors, growing up playing rugby I’ve always known Wigan as a club that is relentless in anything they do and that’s something I can’t wait to be a part of.

“I’d also like to thank Wakefield and the staff for giving me the opportunity to get to this point in my career”

Head coach Matt Peet added: “Sam is a player we have been tracking for a few years and it is the right time for him to join us.

“He has already proved himself capable of performing at Super League level and we are confident that his attitude will be a good fit for our club.

“We look forward to welcoming Sam and his family.”