THE capture of Test star Wendell Sailor was made right under the noses of Brisbane Broncos.

Wigan Warriors announced their return to the big spending league, by swooping for the flying wingman, but the major coup was completed without the knowledge of Australia's top club.

Indeed Sailor, aged 23, has agreed a two-year deal, starting in 1999, but has not yet signed because he is still under contract to the Broncos.

But that will not be a problem, said Sailor, who has set his heart on playing at Central Park.

"Playing in front of the crowds in the recent three Tests, convinced me I would love to play in England, they were fantastic," he said.

"I know I am leaving one of the best clubs, and best coaches, in the world, but I will be joining another one. John Monie has a great reputation and it will be superb following in the footsteps of my heroes Gene Miles and Brett Kenny.

"This is an era in my life that I would like to change, by spending a couple of years here. I don't think Brisbane have had anybody leave before."

Sailor, at 6ft 3in and 16 stone, will form a formidable wing partnership with Jason Robinson. Sailor's pedigree is second to none, and after coming through the ranks as a junior at Brisbane, has gone from strength to strength.

New director Phil Clarke said: "Having Robinson and Sailor on the wings will be a huge bonus to Wigan.

"Obviously I have never played against greats like Billy Boston or John Ferguson but I have against Sailor and he is strong, fast and evasive. He must be rated as one of the best at the moment."

The Queenslander scored 12 tries against British teams in the World Club Championship, and two tries in the recent Test series against GB.

Chairman Mike Nolan admitted this was a fantastic move, not only for Wigan, but for British Rugby League.

"The capture demonstrates how committed the Board of Directors and financiers are, to making Wigan Warriors the best team in the world again. This is the biggest signing in Rugby League history."

FORMER Central Park favourite Phil Clarke, has joined Wigan Warriors as a director.

Clarke, aged 26, whose glittering career was abruptly ended by a serious neck injury, has been living in Australia for more than two years.

He will also take an administrative role, probably replacing the current chief executive Dave Bradshaw.

MILLIONAIRE businessman Dave Whelan, is the man bankrolling Wigan Warriors' spending spree.

Chairman Mike Nolan admitted, in announcing the capture of Test star Wendell Sailor that, 'without the full support of David Whelan, head of the JJB Sports, events that have taken place over the last two months would not have been possible'.

Nolan added that Whelan, who owns Wigan Athletic, would not be joining the board as 'he did not want to play an active part in the day-to-day running of the club'.

Vice-chairman, John Martin, confirmed that a massive amount of money is available to get Wigan back to the top.

"The money is there, but only if we are successful. We only have two years to do it or we will be on the transfer list. But we have made on fantastic signing and we are talking to another world class player for 1999," he added.

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