Wigan Warriors forward joins St Helens on three-year deal

Tom Forber has left Wigan Warriors and signed a three-year deal with St Helens.

The Saints, who missed the play-offs at the end of the year, made their move after the 23-year-old was made available.

“Tom leaves with everyone’s best wishes," said Wigan head coach Matt Peet.

"He has been with us since his scholarship days and has given everything to the club.

"His dedication, attitude and commitment have been outstanding, and he is hugely popular with his team-mates and coaches.

"I’ve really enjoyed working with Tom and have great respect for him as a player and a person.

"We wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”

Forber, who hails from Warrington, played for Blackbrook during his formative years before joining the Warriors Academy set-up.

He made a total 22 appearances for Wigan, scoring three tries.

Forber also spent time out on loan at Newcastle, Whitehaven, Widnes, Wakefield, Oldham, Barrow and Castleford.

“I’m buzzing," he told the club's official website. "I didn’t realise how quickly it was all going to happen, really.

"I heard that Saints were interested and, knowing what a massive club it is, I was really excited.

“I grew up in Warrington, but I’ve always watched Saints and seen how much success they’ve had over the years.

"As soon as I found out they were interested, I knew I’d love to be a part of it.

"Unfortunately, I didn’t play as much as I would have liked last year, and when the opportunity came up to join Saints, I saw it as a fresh start and a chance to prove a point.

“I want to keep learning and improving. There are so many great players and staff here, so I’ll try to soak up as much knowledge as I can and use it to better myself.

“There’s going to be some great competition. We’re all trying to make each other better, and everyone gets on really well. It’s good, healthy competition.”

Forber says the prospect of working under new Saints coach Kevin Walters is something he’s looking forward to.

“It’s massive,” he added. “You see him coaching Australia at the moment, working with some of the best players in the world.

“When he comes in, it’ll be great to pick his brains, find out what he thinks I can improve on and understand where my strengths are.

“I’ll listen to him, take everything on board and try to show him that I’m good enough to earn a place in the team.”