Warriors’ Lima returning to NRL to be reunited with coach Maguire

Wigan Warriors will bring the curtains down on the Magic Weekend tomorrow when they host rivals St Helens.

St Helens have former England winger Ade Gardner returning in place of Tommy Makinson, who was concussed during the win at Leeds on Monday, while second rower Andrew Dixon is recalled in place of former Wigan forward Mark Flanagan.

Wigan have prop Epalahame Lauaki back after missing the win at Huddersfield through concussion while hooker Logan Tomkins returns.

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Wigan prop Jeff Lima will return to the NRL next season after signing a two-year deal with South Sydney, the Australian club have announced.

The 29-year-old New Zealand international, who has missed only four games in his two seasons in Super League, will be reunited with former Wigan head coach Michael Maguire at the Rabbitohs.

“Jeff has been a very consistent performer right throughout his career and will bring a wealth of experience to our club next season,” said Maguire, who is in his first season at Souths.

“He has a great work ethic, is professional in the way he conducts himself around training and in his preparation to play and has been a high-level performer week-in and week-out since I’ve been working with him.”

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Lima, who won six caps for the Kiwis, lifted the Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match in Wigan’s victory over Leeds in the 2011 Challenge Cup final under Maguire.

He made his debut for Wests Tigers in 2004 and reached three Grand Finals with Melbourne Storm from 2006-10.

“His experience will help the youth in our squad,” added Maguire. “He’s a big addition to our team and will help to further strengthen our forward pack.”