MATT PEET says the “timing is perfect” for Oliver Partington to return to Wigan Warriors.

The forward has signed a five-year deal from Catalans Dragons, who in turn have received hooker Kruise Leeming on loan for the season.

Partington, 27, came through Wigan’s youth ranks to make 92 first-team appearances, but left at the end of 2022 to join Salford Red Devils.

After two impressive years at Salford he signed for Catalans, but his stay in France is over after one season to return to where it all began.

His signing fulfils Wigan’s need for reinforcement in the middle after Oliver Wilson, intended to provide just that when he signed from Huddersfield Giants, suffered an Achilles injury which will sideline him for the whole campaign.

The Warriors also lost Liam Byrne and Harvie Hill, to Warrington Wolves and Hull FC respectively, at the end of last year while Tyler Dupree has also been sent on loan to Catalans.

“We are all excited to welcome Oliver back to the club,” said head coach Peet.

“We always hoped we would get the chance to get him back one day and the timing feels perfect.

“He is a player who always wore the Wigan shirt with pride, and he has been away and developed himself on and off the field as he enters the prime of his career.”

Partington said: “I am absolutely buzzing to be coming back to Wigan. I’m really looking forward to earning the respect of the group and the fans.

“To play for Wigan was always my childhood dream and I’ve lived that dream once – I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to live that dream again.”

Leeming has been allowed to depart with the club well-stocked at nine, where Tom Forber has developed into an able deputy for Brad O’Neill.

“Kruise will be an asset to Catalans,” Peet added of the 30-year-old ex-Huddersfield and Leeds Rhinos man, who has two years left on his Wigan contract.

“He is a fantastic professional, who is a pleasure to work with.”

Leeming said: “It’s a great honour to join the Dragons. I can’t wait to get to Perpignan and start.”