Super League: Wigan can replace Joe Burgess, says Ian Lenagan
Friday 23 January 2015 16:13, UK
Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan insists the club can replace Joe Burgess and says the door remains open for his return.
Winger Burgess will quit Super League at the end of the 2015 season to take up a three-year deal with 2013 NRL champions Sydney Roosters, where England coach Steve McNamara is on the backroom staff.
The 20-year-old scored 25 tries in his first full Super League season in 2014, including Wigan's only touchdown in their Grand Final defeat by St Helens in October.
"It is disappointing to lose a talented young player but as, (coach) Shaun Wane has proven in recent years, no one is irreplaceable," Lenagan said.
"The Wigan club has a strong succession plan in place and we will look to utilise that to ensure a seamless transition when Joe departs.
"Joe leaves with our best wishes and the door certainly remains open for him to return to us just as Joel Tomkins and Lee Mossop have in the past year."
Burgess said: "It was a hard decision as I've grown up being a lifelong Wigan fan but I didn't want to miss the opportunity. I'm going to try my hardest to help the team win every trophy before I do go."
