Tuesday 11 November 2014 16:36, UK
Wigan Warriors have re-signed free agent Lee Mossop on a three-year deal, with the option of a fourth year.
Mossop, a product of the Wigan Warriors Academy, made his debut in 2008 before going on to make 111 appearances for the club.
The 25-year-old left the DW Stadium last year to join Parramatta Eels in the NRL for the 2014 season and has been released from his contract to assist with salary cap and joins the Warriors with immediate effect.
Mossop, who has had surgery on both shoulders in the past 12 months, will continue his recovery with Wigan and is expected to be match fit by the end of February.
I am pleased but not surprised that Lee has decided to rejoin the club.
Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan told the club's official website: "I am pleased but not surprised that Lee has decided to rejoin the club.
"When Mossop moved to Parramatta, we had a first option agreement in place to re-sign him should the opportunity arise.
"Once we were made aware of Lee's availability, we moved quickly to re-sign him and are pleased to conclude an agreement satisfactory to all parties.
"We are aware that Lee has had issues with his shoulders in the past which did not resolve with keyhole surgery but he has now had advanced surgery to put them right and our medical specialist advise that statistics have proven the surgery to work in 97 per cent of shoulder cases.
"As is the case in instances like this, we have put provisions in Lee's contract to protect the club against recurrence.
Wigan was always going to be my first choice and I am really happy that we have been able to agree a deal.
"We all know that a fit Lee Mossop is one of the best front rowers in the game and I have confidence in my coaching staff to bring the best out of him again and, hopefully, even more with his shoulder problems fixed."
Mossop said: "I want to thank Parramatta Eels for giving me the chance to play in the NRL and experience a different lifestyle in Australia. I have enjoyed my time there however felt it was the right time to return to the UK.
"Wigan was always going to be my first choice and I am really happy that we have been able to agree a deal. I owe a lot to this club having come through the youth system.
Having seen the fans welcome Joel Tomkins back earlier this year, I am looking forward to seeing them give Lee a great reception next season.
"The squad is a bit younger now and I hope to be able to pass on my experience to some of the other players. I was at the Grand Final last month cheering the boys on and hope to be back there again next season."
Head coach Shaun Wane said: "I rate Lee Mossop highly and am pleased to see him rejoin us. As soon as I heard that he might be available, I asked Kris Radlinski and Ian Lenagan to see if it was possible and I am grateful that they have done just that.
"I am pleased also for Lee showing loyalty to the club. Having seen the fans welcome Joel Tomkins back earlier this year, I am looking forward to seeing them give Lee a great reception at the DW next season."
