Matthew Bowen To Sign With Wigan?

Aug 16, 2013 League Freak European Super League News 1

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There are reports that North Queensland Cowboys fullback Matthew Bowen is on the verge of signing a contract with Wigan for the 2014 season.

Bowen has been unable to get one last contract extension out of the North Queensland Cowboys who are worried about a degenerative knee injury that has been a constant concern over the last few years.

Bowen is one of the best football players I have ever seen. At his best his footwork made first grade players look stupid. His kicking and passing was game. He is one of my all time favourite players.

He is still a quality player. If not for the issues with his knee injury I don’t doubt that many NRL clubs would have been willing to sign him. The problem is, the nature of his knee injury means it is only going to get worse. He will miss more games. He will lose a step. It’s really unfortunate.

He would be a good signing for Wigan but I worry that the softer conditions in England will take away what still makes him an effective player. He won’t be able to use his footwork and acceleration as well as he can on the firmer grounds we have in Australia. He could be a handy option in the halves playing a Standoff, I believe he is capable of that in Super League.

One thing not to overlook is hat Wigan are looking for fullbacks. Sam Tomkins is gone!

In Bowen, Wigan will be signing a quality player who hasn’t got too many miles left in his legs. I think he is a decent signing though.

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• Import, Matthew Bowen, Wigan

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