‘It definitely feels like home’ - Harry Sunderland Trophy winner pens new long-term deal with Wigan Warriors

The 25-year-old played all but one game in his debut campaign for the Warriors in 2023, making the move from Huddersfield Giants, and has developed an impressive left edge combination with winger Liam Marshall.

He was awarded the Harry Sunderland Trophy during last year’s Super League Grand Final triumph over Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford, and was named in last year’s Dream Team for the first time in his career alongside team-mates Bevan French and Liam Farrell.

Wardle has enjoyed 20 tries in 37 appearances for the club to date, winning a League Leaders’ Shield and a Super League title, while he was also a try-scorer in the record-equalling World Club Challenge victory in February against the Penrith Panthers.

To date, he has crossed for 20 tries in 37 Wigan appearances.

On the new deal, Wardle commented: “Since I signed I’ve made everyone aware that I really enjoy it here. It definitely feels like home and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next five years.

“The 18 months I’ve been here so far have been enjoyable and I’m looking forward to more enjoyable moments.”

Wigan head coach Matt Peet added: “We’re very happy, he’s a fantastic player and I think he’s in great form at the moment.

“He’s just a fantastic lad, very popular in the playing group - low maintenance, high performance and he’s a pleasure to work with.

"He’s a proud father, a family man and hopefully his family are as pleased as we are to have his future secured at Wigan.”

Chief executive Kris Radlinski said: “ Jake is one of the elite centres in the UK Super League.

"From the moment that he put a Wigan jersey on, his levels of perfor mance have been outstanding. Whilst we always knew Jake had the talent, he appears to have found a spiritual home at Wigan.”

He added: “For Jake to commit such a long period of time to the club, just shows how happy he is on and off the field.

"Wigan fans clearly love watching Jake play and appreciate just what a centre he is. There is joint appreciation for each other.”