WIGAN swooped to sign junior Kiwi forward Stuart Lester yesterday.

The 21-year-old second rower agreed a three-year deal with the Central Park outfit and is expected to join pre-season training in January.

Lester - a 15-and-half stone powerhouse had become increasingly frustrated by the lack of first team chances at Auckland Warriors.

Ironically it was former Wigan favourite and Great Britain vice-captain Denis Betts keeping him in the wings.

Delighted Wigan chairman Jack Robinson said: "Stuart's got a good reputation and we hope his inclusion will increase the competition within our squad.

"We've seen him on tape and he came highly recommended by our scouting network Down Under."

He added that Lester's arrival would hopefully quash the 'negativity' which has plagued Wigan this year following a number of high-profile exits from the club including Great Britain stars Martin Offiah, Kelvin Skerrett and RU convert Scott Quinnell.

Meanwhile Wigan's hopes of making a second close season signing in Widnes prop forward Lee Hansen have hit a major stumbling block.

The Chemics have rejected a player-plus cash deal for their Tongan star in favour of a straight fee.

Robinson added: "We do have a difference of opinion with Widnes as they now want a cash deal.

"Lee's still keen to come to Wigan, but he's under contact to them till next June. We would like to obtain his services and it may mean having to wait until the end of that."

The club's plans to include Andy Craig and Matt Knowles in a swap deal with the Cumbrians for second-row Steve Holgate backfired when the two players rejected the move to Workington. That resulted in centre Craig being listed at £50,000 and prop Knowles £25,000 at their own request.

The chairman did confirm that a tentative approach had been made to Warrington for unsettled star Iestyn Harris.

"He is a quality player and we have made a tentative inquiry about him."

The hooking role for next season will be filled by Mick Cassidy. The Great Brirtain international is willing to take over the number nine shirt now that Martin Hall has joined the ARL and Martin Dermott has been released to join Warrington.

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