Kruise Leeming to depart Wigan Warriors with long-term Super League switch officially confirmed

Huddersfield Giants have signed experienced hooker Kruise Leeming from Wigan Warriors on a three-year contract from next season.

The 31-year-old joined the Warriors ahead of the 2024 campaign from NRL side Gold Coast Titans, helping Matt Peet’s side complete a historic quadruple that year as they won the World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and Super League Grand Final.

Leeming, who scored 12 tries in 57 appearances for Wigan, has spent this season on loan at Catalans Dragons and will return to his native West Yorkshire ahead of next year.

“Kruise has been excellent for Wigan, both on and off the field,” said Peet.

“He has played an important part in some special wins and successful moments for the club, and his professionalism, commitment and attitude have been first-class throughout.

“He leaves with our genuine thanks and respect, and we wish him and his family every success for the future.”

Leeming will return to Huddersfield - the place where his professional rugby league career started - having come through the Giants’ youth ranks.

"I’m really excited - it feels like a new adventure,” said Leeming, who has made more than 250 career appearances for Huddersfield, Leeds Rhinos, Gold Coast, Wigan and Catalans.

“I was a different player back then (in my first spell with Huddersfield). The whole team is different - it’s exciting for me to go back to Huddersfield.

“I want to win something at the club that gave me the chance to start my career as a professional. It would be the biggest achievement of my career. They’re big words, but it’s the truth.

“There are a lot of players at the club I can learn from. Zac (Woolford) is a really good hooker, and we’ll work well together.

“The club has had a great end to the season, and it’s crucial to carry that into 2027, which is a really exciting year for the club.”

Leeming will reunite with Huddersfield head coach Jim Lenihan, with the pair having worked together at Gold Coast in the NRL.

“I'm really excited about Kruise returning to the club,” said Huddersfield’s director of rugby Andy Kelly.

“He's been to Leeds, had a spell in Australia and come back and proven himself back in Super League with Wigan and Catalans.

“Watching him in recent weeks, including his appearance at the Accu Stadium, he's been one of Catalans' standout players and changes the game when he comes onto the field.

"What Kruise brings is not just the guile that goes with a hooker, and that includes his running game, but he brings leadership qualities that we'll need going into the next couple of seasons."