rlhttp://www.superleague.co.uk/article/wigan-quiet-over-thomas-link/23398rl

Wigan Warriors are refusing to comment on speculation linking the Challenge Cup winners with a shock move for veteran Welsh three-quarter Gareth Thomas.

The 37-year-old former British Lions captain is a free agent following Crusaders RL’s withdrawal from Engage Super League and is reported to have agreed a 12-month contract with the Warriors, who are expected to appoint Thomas’ current club and national coach Iestyn Harris as their assistant for next season.

Both Wigan chairman Ian Lenaghan and Thomas’ manager Emanuele Paladino issued “no comment” responses to queries, while Warriors coach Michael Maguire expressed ignorance on the subject at today’s press conference.

Maguire, who is returning to Australia at the end of the season, said: “I’ve no idea about that.”

Thomas, who switched codes 18 months ago, is currently sidelined with a broken arm but is hoping to play for Wales in the Four Nations Series.

Lenagan said today he anticipated an announcement on Maguire’s successor to be made before the end of the season. Former Wigan prop Shaun Wane is expected to be promoted from the role of assistant, with Harris taking over as number two.

Meanwhile, winger Josh Charnley has undergone surgery on the finger he broke and dislocated in the first minute of the Challenge Cup final at Wembley and may play in Sunday’s penultimate game of the regular season at second-placed Warrington Wolves.

Maguire has also not ruled out second rower Lee Mossop, who dislocated a shoulder in the first half of Wigan’s 28-18 win over Leeds Rhinos but went back on after having it put back in the socket.

“Josh had an operation on his finger and came through pretty well hopefully,” said Maguire.

“We’ll assess Lee at the back end of the week. We’ll do a bit of contact work with him on Saturday.

“We’re hopeful on both but I’m pretty lucky with the people sitting on the sidelines, with the likes of Gareth Hock, Daz Goulding, Amos Roberts and Chris Tuson.

“I’m looking forward to giving people opportunities. It’s another tough decision but we always pick on performance.”

Maguire confirmed that full-back Sam Tomkins will play despite the furore that erupted over his two-fingered salute to Leeds fans at Wembley.

Tomkins issued an apology for his “heat-of-the-moment” action and was given a suspended fine and warning by the Rugby Football League, as well as being censured by his club, and Maguire now considers the matter closed.

“He’s moved on,” he said. “Credit to Sam, he’s the one who came forward and apologised.

“I’m really looking forward to Sam just getting back to his rugby league and playing the way he can. England have got one helluva player there.”

I've the funniest feeling someone's already mentioned this rumour...

It'll make a great ending to the film.

"Gareth, what do you think?"

"Unbelievable. I'm privileged to have just signed for the greatest and most famous Rugby League club in the world. I've just spoken to the best of them all, Billy Boston and that in itself is an honour"

"Shaun Edwards has text me from New Zealand, wishing me well, but also telling me what an honour it is to wear that Wigan shirt"

Well Sky Sports News has put it on their Breaking news ticker.

just confirmed on ssn Gareth thomas has signed....why??????????

Bad signing for Wigan - why do we need him? All i can think of is the RFL are getting annoyed our average age is 20 or something, and as such is going to make us play in the U21's unless we bring it up above hence signing the 37 year old slow poke.

Over a month ago to be precise..... and got laughed at!

Baffling !!!

what a truly bizzare signing.

+1

even if it is true surely he's never going to be good enough to get in the first team??

Wigan are going to make a nice little earner from this especially next year.

couple of games covering injuries thats all he'll do

I explained the reasoning the other night, but it is a little "left field"

suppose they wanted to film his club playing career at a ground full of fans.....LOL

If he plays well enough he will get in the side, but I expect him to be used as cover in a position where realistically we don't have much strength in depth.