Wigan secure Carmont against French raid

Wigan have extended and improved the contract of their centre George Carmont to keep him out of the hands of French rugby union.

Carmont, who is playing for Samoa in the World Cup this autumn, has been a major success since joining Wigan from the Newcastle Knights a year ago. He played in every game this season and was voted into Super League's Dream Team. Wigan already had an option on him for next season, which they have taken up, along with an extra option for 2010.

Despite being under contract, Carmont was the subject of interest from French rugby union clubs, who have already signed several league players from the southern hemisphere. Joe Lydon, the Wigan performance director, said yesterday: "George is the sort of quality player we want to continue to attract to Wigan and he fully deserves this amended contract." The club's chairman, Ian Lenagan, added: "George Carmont did an excellent job for Wigan in 2008 and enjoys both the club and the town."

The former New Zealand Test captain Ruben Wiki has said he turned down offers from Super League to retire at the age of 35. The veteran forward had been linked with Wigan, Leeds and the newly promoted Celtic Crusaders, but has now insisted that he has played his last game. He will, however, be involved in the World Cup as a mentor to the Kiwi squad.

The Australian centre Justin Hodges has been ruled out of the tournament by a serious shoulder injury. A scan has revealed that he needs a reconstruction and will be out for six months. Papua New Guinea, who play England in the tournament's first game at Townsville a week on Saturday, have appointed two Super League players – John Wilshere and Stanley Gene – as captain and vice-captain respectively.

The 10 nations competing for the World Cup will also be battling for a total of £755,000 in prize-money. The winners will get £255,000 and the runners-up £208,000.

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