THIS SEASON HAS BEEN SO UNBELIEVABLE GIANTS WANT BIBBY

WATSON MAKES MOVE TO SIGN WARRIORS STAR

HUDDERSFIELD Giants have made a move to sign Wigan Warriors outside back Jake Bibby.

The Examiner understands the Claret and Gold have held talks with the player’s representatives with a view to a move ahead of next season.

Bibby is off-contract at the end of this campaign. The 25-year-old signed for the Warriors ahead of the 2020 season and has been a regular throughout his time at the club and was even an ever-present in 2021.

He has remained a consistent presence in the side under Matty Peet and performed superbly in their Challenge Cup semi-final victory over St Helens, which set-up a clash with the Giants in the final later this month.

Giants head coach Ian Watson afforded Bibby his first big break at Salford Red Devils, where they reached the Grand Final together in 2019.

The Warriors, who face Huddersfield in the Betfred

Super League at the John Smith’s Stadium tomorrow, are thought to be keen to retain him but salary cap pressures may work against the club, with Bibby’s stock increasing.

He is likely to command a higher salary than his existing deal and that would then have consequences down the line for Wigan’s future recruitment plans heading into next year.

Bibby has not been selected for tomorrow’s game, however, the Giants’ interest is not a reason for his absence and he has instead been rested due to the recent hectic schedule, just as a number of his team-mates have too.

Bibby has made 50 Super League appearances for Wigan, 115 in total in the competition, and scored 49 tries. Capable of playing centre or wing, he made his Salford debut in 2015 and spent five seasons at the AJ Bell before his move to Wigan.

The Giants aren’t expected to be busy in the recruitment window, with just a small number of additions likely.