Wigan Coach Issues Strong Response to Hull FC’s Pursuit of Sam Eseh
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has delivered a firm and unequivocal message amid growing speculation linking promising forward Sam Eseh with a move to Hull FC. As reports surfaced earlier this week suggesting Hull FC had shown strong interest in acquiring the 20-year-old prop, Peet didn’t hesitate to respond with a clear stance that leaves little room for misinterpretation.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference ahead of Wigan’s upcoming Super League clash, Peet made it abundantly clear that Eseh remains a vital part of the club’s long-term plans and is not for sale. “Sam is a Warrior and will continue to be one,” Peet stated firmly. “He’s developing well under our system, and we have no intentions of letting him go—now or in the near future.”
The comments come in response to multiple sources claiming Hull FC have been actively seeking to bolster their forward pack for next season, with Eseh viewed as an ideal fit due to his physical presence, youth, and potential. With Hull FC currently undergoing a major rebuild following a disappointing start to the season, they’ve been linked to several emerging Super League talents, and Eseh is believed to be high on their wishlist.
However, Wigan’s response has been swift and pointed. The club is understood to be in the process of extending Eseh’s current deal and sees him as a foundational piece in their forward rotation moving forward. “It’s no surprise that other teams are interested,” Peet added. “But we are focused on keeping our young talent, and Sam is an example of someone we’ve invested time and belief in.”
Sam Eseh, who joined Wigan from Wakefield Trinity at the end of the 2023 season, has impressed in his early appearances with the Warriors. Standing at over 6 feet tall and weighing nearly 110kg, his power and agility have made him one of the standout young forwards in the league. Despite limited game time in a star-studded Wigan squad, Eseh has shown flashes of the potential that made him a hot commodity even before his move.
Wigan’s firm stance could serve as a deterrent to Hull FC and any other club circling around their young forward. It also highlights the growing importance of retaining homegrown or developing talent within Super League, especially as competition between clubs intensifies both on and off the pitch.
While Hull FC are expected to continue their recruitment drive as they seek to bounce back from recent form struggles, it now seems increasingly unlikely that Eseh will be part of their future plans—at least with Wigan standing resolutely in the way.
In an era where player movement can often be dictated by opportunity and financial muscle, Wigan Warriors have once again drawn a line in the sand, reaffirming their commitment to developing and protecting their young stars. For now, Sam Eseh’s future remains firmly tied to the DW Stadium—and Wigan intend to keep it that way.
