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Rugby League

Mathers among five to sign new Wigan deals

03/09/2008

Wigan Warriors full-back Richard Mathers and utility man Cameron Phelps are among five players to have signed contract extensions.

Mathers, who signed for the Warriors from the Gold Coast Titans in November 2007 on a three-year deal, was set to trigger a deal for his second and third seasons in 2009 and 2010 by completing a certain number of games.

And despite failing to meet this target due to injury, club chairman Ian Lenagan and head coach Brian Noble both believed Mathers was deserving of a contract extension for 2009. The club have reserved the option for 2010.

"Richard Mathers' enthusiasm and positive attitude since his arrival has been one of the deciding factors in our decision to keep him at the club," Lenagan explained.

"He has a strong desire and passion to play for Wigan Warriors and we are pleased to give him the opportunity of a further season to rediscover his pre-injury form."

Joining Mathers in the Wigan squad for the 2009 Super League season will be utility back Phelps, who arrived at the JJB Stadium in May and signed until the end of the current season.

He has also been handed an additional season in 2009 with the club retaining an option on the player for 2010.

"Cameron Phelps has shown what a good addition he is, having settled in quickly with the versatility to play at full-back, centre or on the wing and to be a useful goal kicker as well," Lenagan continued.

"He deserves his contract extension and to be part of our squad for 2009 and possibly 2010."

The three other players who have secured their futures at Wigan are back-row forwards Lee Mossop and Harrison Hansen, and centre George Carmont.

Carmont has made the required number of appearances to trigger the second year of his conditional two-season contract, while Mossop has signed a two-year deal with an option for a third season in 2011 and Hansen is now signed up until the end of 2011 after securing a two-year extension.

"Harrison Hansen has had a good first year of being consistently selected for the first-team. His defence has been excellent and we hope he will now take the opportunity of the next three years to move on to a higher level of performance," Lenagan explained.

"Lee Mossop has impressed in the reserves this season and has improved from being around the first-team squad. He is a quality youngster and a great prospect for the future.

"George Carmont has proven what a consistently solid player he is. He has been one of our best players this year and an excellent buy for Wigan. We are delighted to have him in the squad."

Head coach Brian Noble added: "I am pleased that the future of these five players has been secured providing important continuity within a developing Wigan squad - important for the individuals, for me and for the club as we plan ahead for 2009 and beyond."