HOMETOWN prop Mike Cooper has left Warrington Wolves and joined rivals Wigan Warriors with immediate effect.
Cooper, 33, was due to move to the DW Stadium at the end of the season, but his move has been brought forward.
He made 272 appearances for the Wolves and won four Challenge Cups in 14 years, either side of a spell in Australia with St George-Illawarra.
Wolves chairman Stuart Middleton said: “Mike has been an incredible servant for the club for 14 seasons, wearing the primrose and blue with pride and passion.
“I know how much it has meant to him to live out his dream of playing for his hometown club and I’d like to thank him for his efforts and performances over the years.
“We wish him well for his next chapter.”
Cooper hasn’t featured in the last two games against Castleford and Catalans.
Wigan coach Matt Peet revealed that Warrington had approached them about taking Cooper early.
Cooper told Wigan’s club website: “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind but I’m here now and I just want to get started and put my best foot forward.
“It’s a proud club with huge history and proven success and I want to be a part of that. Hopefully I can add to what we’ve already got here. Wigan have a history of playing a certain way – playing with a load of intent and that suits me.
“We’ve got a fantastic pack already and some young lads and I’ll bring that experience, but first and foremost it’s about earning people’s respect. It’s about fitting into the culture here and making mates with everybody – from the office staff to the performance staff and players. It’s one big family and I’m really happy to be a part of it.”
