Wigan coach Shaun Wane is expecting former North Queensland fullback Matt Bowen to make a big impact in Super League after making a “mind-blowing” impression during pre-season training.
The 31-year-old former Queensland star has been recruited from the Cowboys to plug the gap created by Sam Tomkins’ departure to the Warriors and he caught the eye of his coach during the club’s training camp in Florida.
“Matty Bowen is a different sort of full-back to Sam,” Wane said.
“He’s quite a bit older so we will slightly change the way we play, just slight technical changes, probably not enough for people to notice.
“He’s got a great kicking game and good skills and he has been absolutely mind-blowing in training. The players have been amazed by some of the things that he does.”
Bowen, who will play in next month’s World Club Challenge against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium. was a one-club man in the NRL, was not offered a new playing contract by the Cowboys amid doubts over his fitness following persistent knee trouble.
But Wane is confident his new signing will prove his worth but will not over play the veteran as he looks to give more opportunities to 19-year-old full-back Ryan Hampshire, who impressed on his six Super League appearances in 2013.
“We’ve got Matty checked out medically and, if we can keep him on the field, he’s going to be a great asset,” Wane said.
“He won’t be playing lots of games because I want to see what Rocky (Hampshire) does as well. He is a great full-back and an absolute quality player.”