Gabe Hamlin

Recommended to the club by former Wigan boss Michael Maguire and former player Pat Richards, young South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Gabe Hamlin will swap the cardinal and myrtle for the colours of Wigan, signing a 2-year deal.

The young forward will join Wigan in November for pre-season and at just 20 years old and 47 appearances in the U20’s Holden Cup to his name, the club is pleased to have a young, blooming forward joining them.

“My recent visit to Australia was primarily about our 2018 trip to Wollongong and Sydney however, along the way, I met with a few familiar faces including Michael Maguire and Pat Richards,” said Wigan’s Executive Director, Kris Radlinski.

“Having worked with us as a Club and more recently with Gabriel, both Michael and Pat mentioned that he was available and that he would be the perfect fit for Wigan. Michael’s words were ‘he is someone who is made for our environment’.

“A wise head on young shoulders, we believe that Gabriel has the potential to blossom here at Wigan.”

Wigan coach Shaun Wane spoke of the club’s desire to find, nurture and develop young talent.

“We are always on the lookout for talented players that have a good attitude and a real determination to improve,” said Wane.

“Developing players is a part of coaching that I really enjoy and at Wigan, we have a great record of bringing in players and taking them to the next level.”

When the recommendations came from both Maguire and Richards, it was an opportunity too hard to pass up for Wigan.

“When people like Michael Maguire and Pat Richards are both recommending a player to you, then you take that recommendation very seriously and we all believe that Gabriel is a talented forward who can really fulfil his potential here at Wigan,” continued Wane.

“We can’t wait to have him join us.”

Hamlin is excited at the challenge that awaits and has some ties to the country, with his mother born in England.

“I’m really excited about joining Wigan and I’m flattered that they think me worthy of this opportunity,” said Hamlin. I’m very proud of my English heritage, my Mum was actually born in Blackpool.

“I’m very proud of my English heritage, my Mum was actually born in Blackpool.

“Although I’ve never been to the UK before, I’ve heard great things about it. I have studied up on Wigan’s great history and I am thrilled to get the opportunity to represent the Club next season.

I have studied up on Wigan’s great history and I am thrilled to get the opportunity to represent the Club next season.”

Hamlin intends to make the most of the new challenge and wants to impress all involved at the club.

“I watch Super League regularly and I am prepared for the challenge that awaits,” continued the young forward. It’s very exciting and I intend on making the most of this chance.”

“It’s very exciting and I intend on making the most of this chance.”

He may return to Sydney sooner rather than later, with Wigan set to take on the Bunnies in an international doubleheader in February.

 

 

 

By ricky

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