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Craig HillRiddell to link with Wigan in 2009
May 14th 2008 02:45
MEDIA RELEASE - Parramatta Eels
The Pirtek Parramatta Eels and Mark Riddell have by mutual consent agreed to release the hooker from the remaining year of his National Rugby League playing contract.
The agreement allows Riddell to take up an offer to join English Super League powerhouse Wigan following the conclusion of the 2008 NRL season.
"Mark has been a great character on and off the field since joining the Parramatta Eels in 2005 and he will be a tremendous asset for Wigan, both in terms of playing strength and in his ability to promote the club and the English game," Parramatta CEO Denis Fitzgerald said.
"While we're sorry to see him go we acknowledge opportunities such as the one presented by Wigan don't come along every day, and as such we have agreed to a release from the 2009 portion of his contract.
"We wish Mark all the best and we can assure Wigan Warriors fans that they are getting a player who will give his all, every game.
"We also look forward to Mark having an impact for the Eels in the remainder of their 2008 campaign, and particularly his playing a role in the ongoing development of a talented and highly promising local junior in Matthew Keating."
Wigan Chairman Ian Lenagan said the signing of Riddell is an important one both for now and the future of the club.
"We are delighted to have signed Mark on a three-year deal," Mr. Lenagan said.
"He is exactly the type of hooker Wigan needs to lead our forwards and to further develop young Michael McIlorum. He adds strength and size, brings spark to our attack and is a hard working defender who plays considerable game time. His kicking from hand and goal kicking skills are an additional benefit.
"We are extremely grateful to the Parramatta Club who have agreed to release Mark one year early from his contract to take up this opportunity with Wigan.
Mark is a great character on the field who will go down very well with the Wigan fans and is looking forward to testing himself in the English Super League."
Riddell will relocate to the north of England in December.
The Pirtek Parramatta Eels and Mark Riddell have by mutual consent agreed to release the hooker from the remaining year of his National Rugby League playing contract.
The agreement allows Riddell to take up an offer to join English Super League powerhouse Wigan following the conclusion of the 2008 NRL season.
"Mark has been a great character on and off the field since joining the Parramatta Eels in 2005 and he will be a tremendous asset for Wigan, both in terms of playing strength and in his ability to promote the club and the English game," Parramatta CEO Denis Fitzgerald said.
"While we're sorry to see him go we acknowledge opportunities such as the one presented by Wigan don't come along every day, and as such we have agreed to a release from the 2009 portion of his contract.
"We wish Mark all the best and we can assure Wigan Warriors fans that they are getting a player who will give his all, every game.
"We also look forward to Mark having an impact for the Eels in the remainder of their 2008 campaign, and particularly his playing a role in the ongoing development of a talented and highly promising local junior in Matthew Keating."
Wigan Chairman Ian Lenagan said the signing of Riddell is an important one both for now and the future of the club.
"We are delighted to have signed Mark on a three-year deal," Mr. Lenagan said.
"He is exactly the type of hooker Wigan needs to lead our forwards and to further develop young Michael McIlorum. He adds strength and size, brings spark to our attack and is a hard working defender who plays considerable game time. His kicking from hand and goal kicking skills are an additional benefit.
"We are extremely grateful to the Parramatta Club who have agreed to release Mark one year early from his contract to take up this opportunity with Wigan.
Mark is a great character on the field who will go down very well with the Wigan fans and is looking forward to testing himself in the English Super League."
Riddell will relocate to the north of England in December.
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