N.Z. league captain for Wigan

Press, 25 October 1982, Page 26

N.Z. league captain for Wigan

PA New Plymouth The New Zealand rugby league captain, Graeme West, has signed with the English club Wigan, and will play out the rest of his career there. West, who led the Kiwis on their tour of Australia and Papua New Guinea earlier this year, will leave for Britain during the next fortnight. Wigan, second in the English table, want West to join them as soon as possible. West, aged 28, has negotiated an initial three-year contract with Wigan, but there is every chance that his contract will be extended for a further term. “It means the end of my club days with Hawera and with Taranaki, and Central Districts. However, I have no real regrets as I have wanted to play professionally for some time and have gone as far as I can within New Zealand anyway,” he said at the week-end. While West's departure will be a severe blow to the three teams he has played for. Hawera and Taranaki will benefit significantly from the financial point of view.

West's transfer fee has been set at $41,000. The New Zealand Rugby League takes 60 per cent of that, with the Taranaki league and the Hawera club sharing the rest.

West's contract has not been disclosed, but he stands to collect $225 each time Wigan wins and $ll7 for a loss.

“They have also arranged , a flat for my family and I have a butchering job lined up as well," West said. He has been working as a butcher at T. H. Walker and Sons, Ltd's freezing works at Hawera.