Rugby League: Prop star Lee Mossop is a big hit
By: Chris Hamilton
Published: Thu, October 3, 2013
The focus centred on Sam Tomkins ahead of his big-money move to New Zealand Warriors, but Mossop was also a man in demand.
As with Tomkins, England prop Mossop is leaving Wigan for the riches of the NRL, on a two-season contract at Parramatta Eels with options for a third year.
This transfer will complete an impressive rise for the 24-year-old Cumbrian, who was brought through the youth ranks at Wigan by coach Shaun Wane.
Mossop said: “I got approached a couple of years ago by Canterbury Bulldogs but I didn’t think it was the right time to go. I had just got a new coach at Wigan in Michael Maguire, who was picking his teams only on the strength of the performances from all his players.
“I was young and I felt I still had a lot to achieve with the Warriors. Once I got the approach from Parramatta this time, though, I pursued their interest. And here we are.”
Mossop picked up a Challenge Cup final winner’s medal back in August when Wigan got past Hull. And along with the departing Tomkins and Pat Richards, the prop is now aiming to cap his Wigan career by beating Warrington in Saturday’s final, that will be refereed by Richard Silverwood.
England winger Tom Briscoe has turned down a move to NRL outfit Cronulla Sharks in order to join Leeds from Hull on a five-year contract.
