Mossop signs three year deal with Wigan
Last updated 13:15, Thursday, 04 September 2008
Former West Cumbrian starlet Lee Mossop has rocketed in to the big time after signing a three-year deal with Super League giants Wigan Warriors.
And former Wigan great Joe Lydon, now performance director at the JJB, reckons the 19-year-old giant, who has progressed through the club’s junior ranks, has the ability to cement a first-team place.
“He’s a great young prospect,” Lydon told News & Star Sport. “He’s got the raw talent, and certainly the size and attitude.
“He’s been committed enough to move down and put the work in off-field in the gym. Now he has to work on his skill levels a little to make sure he’s a first-team player.”
After declining the chance to pen a two-year deal last year, the ex-Hensingham amateur had been on a one-year pro contract with Wigan, which would have expired at the end of this season.
“Obviously I’m excited about the contract,” said Mossop, who has played three Super League games this term. “Hopefully it’s another step up the ladder.
“With this contract, I have to cement myself in the team and hopefully develop into a regular.
“I’ve played rugby since I was four or five, going through with Hensingham, and I remember when asked what I wanted to do when older.
“The answer was to play for Wigan. To walk out in front of 15,000 fans is unbelievable.”
He has also set his sights on an international future – though not in the short term.
“I want to go as far as I can,” he added. “The main thing is to break in to Super League, but I definitely want to play for England.
“It will take some time to get past the likes of Gaz Ellis, Gareth Hock and Sean O’Loughlin. But look at Sam Burgess. If good enough it can happen.”
Bradford Bulls prodigy Burgess, also 19, has already broken through in to the England team only to be ruled out of the forthcoming World Cup due to injury.
