Shaun Wane has revealed that he wanted to give Pat Richards a new contract with Wigan Warriors.
It was announced yesterday that the winger would be returning to his native Australia at the end of the Super League season.
The Wigan coach told Sky Sports News: "He told me a couple of weeks ago that he was going and I really admire him. He's a good man who has done a lot of things that people don't know about behind the scenes at this club, things in team meetings and things like that.
"He's an outstanding individual. I wanted to give him a new deal, I don't want him to go. But his kids are at an age where they are ready to start school and his mind was made up. I have kids, I know what it's like, so I understand it. Paddy has loved it here but he wants to go."
Two late penalties from Richards helped the Warriors secure a 28-20 win over Hull FC last night.
Sian Cowper
