Bailey made 95 NRL appearances for the Cronulla Sharks

Bailey, 25, who has made 119 appearances in Australia's NRL, will join Wigan for the start of 2007.

"This is great news especially following the signing of Trent Barrett," said Wigan coach Brian Noble.

"I know Phil well and he is an honest and genuine player who never stops trying. He approaches every game with a never-say-die attitude."

Former champions Wigan are bottom of the Super League with two wins from 14 games but Noble, who became coach on 20 April, is adamant the club can escape relegation.

"What really pleases me is the fact that the Wigan club are not losing any of their ambition even though we find ourselves in a difficult situation this season," he said.

"We have certainly not accepted our present position and we have 14 games left to move up the Super League table."

I can't wait to play outside Trent Barrett who is one of the best ball distributors in the game Phil Bailey

Bailey, who played twice for the Kangaroos in 2003, said: "I am totally thrilled to be joining the Wigan club.

"I had a long conversion with Brian Carney and Adrian Lam and they both consider Wigan to be the best club they have ever played for and a great part of their rugby league lives.

"I can't wait to play outside Trent Barrett who is one of the best ball distributors in the game.

"I know Wigan are struggling at the moment but everyone in Australia still believes in the club and I will be joining Wigan next year when I will give my best to help them get back to the top."