By Buford Balony
Next season, Wests Tigers are set to welcome Mark “Piggy” Riddell back to the NRL, a notable character in modern rugby league.
This week, a one-year contract is expected to be announced, with plans for Riddell to act as a shadow player for the talented No. 9, Robbie Farah.
Although Riddell had signed a three-year contract with the English club Wigan in 2009, he decided to shorten his stay in England to return home to support his mother, who is battling cancer. Tomorrow, on his 29th birthday, Riddell is anticipated to celebrate his new agreement with Wests Tigers.
The Tigers view Riddell as a competent and seasoned backup for Farah, with the ability to play back-row positions and kick goals.
“It’s likely to happen. We are maybe a day or two away from finalizing it,” stated Wests Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys yesterday.
“Discussions with Mark have gone very well. It is certainly something we are contemplating.”
“We are looking at him as a support to Robbie Farah.”
When inquired about how Riddell would fit into the Tigers’ salary cap, Humphreys responded, “If he were to join us, it would be under a second-tier contract. He wouldn’t be included in our top 25. That’s the framework we are considering him within.”
Riddell concluded his two-year tenure at Wigan with a victory over St Helens in this year’s Super League grand final.
Previous teams he has played for include St George Illawarra and Parramatta, having started his career with the Sydney Roosters.
Following the Super League victory, Riddell stated: “This is No. 1 for me. I’ve been pursuing one of these titles for 11 or 12 years in professional rugby league.”
“Finally achieving this at the end is something truly special.”
Wigan coach Michael Maguire expressed his disappointment at Riddell’s departure.
“We were aware of Mark’s situation in June and will be saddened to lose him, but we fully understand the reasons behind his choice,” said Maguire.
Buford Balony says: The only scenarios in which he would likely see playtime are if Robbie Farah were injured or during State of Origin, but he’s a valuable backup to consider if we secure him.
