Newton rejects Wigan move
Bradford Bulls have turned down a daring Wigan Warriors bid for hooker Terry Newton.
Warriors coach Brian Noble offered cash and/or hooker Mickey Higham in exchange in his attempt to lure the Great Britain international back to the JJB Stadium but Bradford and the player have both flatly refused any deal.
Newton contacted the Bradford Telegraph & Argus newspaper from the club’s training camp in Lanzarote to insist: “I don’t want to sign for Wigan.
“I enjoyed my time playing there and they are my hometown club but I’m at Bradford now and want to win trophies.
“I think Bradford is the place to do that. I’m enjoying myself here, the squad is excellent and we’re going places.”
Rumours had been rife in Wigan that former Bradford boss Noble would move for the talented 29-year-old, who spent six seasons at the Warriors and still lives in the town.
Since his shock move across the Pennines in April 2006, Noble has already plundered his former club for prop Stuart Fielden and assistant coach Phil Veivers, tried luring conditioner Martin Clawson and had a bid turned down for Great Britain centre Paul Johnson.
It is also believed Noble was keen on taking centre Shontayne Hape, while Newton has always been high on his list.
Bradford coach Steve McNamara confirmed: “We’ve had an approach from Wigan and turned it down out of hand.
“We’re not interested in Terry Newton leaving our club and certainly not interested in taking Mickey Higham as his replacement, which is what Wigan were offering.
“Tez is an absolutely vital component in our whole organisation, a tremendously gifted footballer, and so it’s simply not an option.
“I’ve spoken to him and he’s completely happy, while very excited about our prospects for 2008.”
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