Wigan Warriors have won the fight to sign highly-rated forward Sam Hopkins from Championship neighbours Leigh Centurions.
The 23-year-old will move to the DW Stadium in November on a two-year contract after scoring eight tries in 11 appearances already this season.
And despite interest from other Super League clubs Hopkins admitted it soon became a one-horse race.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me. The Warriors are the biggest club in Super League,” he told wiganwarriors.com.
“When I learned of their interest in me and the chance to progress my career with them, it was an easy decision to make.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in my career to date from my days as an amateur to the present day.”
Hopkins, who played against his future employers in April’s Challenge Cup clash, will see out his contract at Leigh before making the eight-and-a-half mile trip down the road.
A one-time Great Britain Community Lions Under-18’s representative, the versatile forward can play either at prop or in the second-row.
The former Leigh East amateur has been a regular for the Centurions since 2011 and Wigan head coach Shaun Wane admitted the club have been keeping tabs on him for a while.
“He is tough and runs hard,” he said.
“I am confident under the guidance of our quality back room staff he has both the ability and passion to become a success as a full time professional.
“It is a big step for him to make the move from the Championship but he is very determined and driven and just the sort of player I enjoy working with.”
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