Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet makes Sam Eseh admission as recruitment stance outlined

Wigan Warriors explored the possibility of retaining Sam Eseh, but their hands were tied due to salary cap constraints, thus not being able to match Bradford Bulls’ offer to the prop.

As confirmed earlier this week, the 22-year-old prop will play out the rest of this season with Wigan before joining Bradford on a three-year contract from 2027.

Eseh becomes the latest player who will depart the Brick Community Stadium for similar reasons, with the Warriors ultimately outbid in their attempts to keep props Liam Byrne and Harvie Hill, who joined Warrington Wolves and Hull FC respectively at the end of last season.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of Friday’s trip to Wakefield Trinity, Peet admitted the Warriors explored the possibility of retaining Eseh, but the Leeds-born front-rower will head to Bradford with the club’s best wishes.

“We’ve been in constant discussions with Sam, and we’ve probably known for four to six weeks that the likelihood was that he would move on, but he has been exemplary since he joined us, to be honest,” said Peet.

“He will be a great asset for Bradford, and we will wish him every success. He is a very popular member of the group. I think he has got a bright future ahead of him, and I know he is determined to finish this year on a positive note.

“We discussed the potential to keep Sam and retain him, but sometimes you are able to get to a level with the salary cap, and other clubs can exceed that, so we’ll take that one on the chin, and we wish Sam all the best.

“He’s earned the right to choose where he plays his rugby, and I think Bradford is a good club for him, and I think he’ll be excellent for them. He’ll prove a really smart pick-up for them - he is a quality young lad.”

Eseh is in his third and final season with Wigan, having played 15 games since arriving from Wakefield ahead of the 2024 season, with all of those appearances coming this year. The Yorkshireman spent time on loan at Castleford Tigers, Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC during his first two seasons with the Warriors.

Peet offered somewhat of a recruitment stance from a Wigan perspective, saying he doesn’t envisage much change personnel-wise for next season.

“As far as we’re concerned, as far as I’m concerned, planning for next year will be we’re going to go with what we’ve got and bring lads in through the academy, and nothing outside of that, so I don’t expect that to change,” Peet added.

Next up for the Warriors is a trip to Eseh’s former club Wakefield in Round 14 of Super League on Friday evening, 8pm kick-off.