2025 Wigan Warriors season
| Wigan Warriors 2025 season | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Super League season Rank | 2nd | |||
| Play-off result | Runners-up | |||
| Challenge Cup | 4th Round | |||
| 2025 record | Wins: 22; draws: 0; losses: 7 | |||
| Points scored | For: 794; against: 333 | |||
| Team information | ||||
| CEO | Kris Radlinski | |||
| Head Coach | Matt Peet | |||
| Captain | ||||
| Stadium | Brick Community Stadium | |||
| Avg. attendance | 17,145[1] | |||
| Agg. attendance | 223,995 | |||
| High attendance | 24,294 | |||
| Low attendance | 13,932 | |||
| Top scorers | ||||
| Tries | Jai Field (24) | |||
| Goals | Adam Keighran (67/80) | |||
| Points | Adam Keighran (162) | |||
| ||||
| ||||
The 2025 season was the Wigan Warriors's 45th consecutive season playing in England's top division of rugby league. They competed in the 2025 Super League season, and the 2025 Challenge Cup. Under ordinary circumstances, they would also have contest the 2025 World Club Challenge.
Preseason friendlies
[edit]| Date and time | Versus | H/A | Venue | Result | Score | Tries | Goals | Attendance | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 January; 15:00 | A | Boundary Park | W | 28–16 | Dupree, Douglas, Byrne, Forber, Cartwright, Yeomans | Eckersley (2/6) | 3,028 | [2] | |
| 26 January; 15:00 | A | Headingley | L | 4–22 | Eckersley | Keighran (0/1) | 5,055 | [3] |
World Club Challenge
[edit]Ahead of the 2024 NRL Grand Final, reports began circulating that the 2025 World Club Challenge would be at risk of being cancelled as teams that could potentially qualify (Penrith Panthers, Warrington Wolves, and Wigan Warriors) would have difficulty arranging travel to either the UK or Australia, then to the United States, with the usual date of the tournament being close to that of the 2025 Rugby League Las Vegas event.[4] Following Penrith's victory in the Grand Final, thus qualification for the tournament, it was revealed that 15 or 16 February would be the latest they would play the tournament, leaving time for travel back to Australia then out to the United States, while also maximising their pre-season, citing player welfare as in issue. However, with this weekend being the opening weekend of the 2025 Super League season, the date was unlikely.[5]
On 9 October 2024, Penrith confirmed to the NRL that they would not play the match before the start of the domestic seasons citing player welfare as the issue stating that their players were delaying their mandated leave to play in the 2024 Rugby League Pacific Championships and 2024 Samoa rugby league tour of England thus not allowing players to have an adequate preseason before the World Club Challenge. The club stated that it was open to working with the NRL for a solution to play the match, but would not as things stand currently.[6]
Following the conclusion of the 2024 Super League Grand Final, Wigan Warriors captain Liam Farrell confirmed the champions' commitment to the 2025 World Club Challenge and stated that the club would be working to ensure the game goes ahead.[7] These words later confirmed by CEO Kris Radlinski.[8]
On 16 October, Radlinski contacted the NRL and Penrith about playing the game during Magic Round (requiring the NRL to schedule one of Penrith's byes for this round),[9] an idea proposed on social media by Penrith's Nathan Cleary two days prior.[10] However this idea never came to fruition with Penrith facing Brisbane in Magic Round.[11][12]
| Date and time | Versus | H/A | Venue | Result | Score | Tries | Goals | Attendance | TV | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not scheduled | A[a] | Western Sydney Stadium[b] | Cancelled | N/A |
Wigan remain world champions by virtue of their victory in the competition in 2024, however did not receive a separate title for 2025 in lieu of Penrith's withdrawal.
Super League
[edit]Regular season
[edit]On 9 July 2024, the club announced they would be part of the 2025 Rugby League Las Vegas event, playing their home match against Warrington Wolves at the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.[13][14] Wigan's matchweek 1, 2, and rival Round fixtures were confirmed on 20 November 2024,[15] with the rest coming the following day.[16] Wigan's opening round match set a record for the highest attendanced opening game of Super League, it also is the only game to have ended 0-0 after 80 minutes in the summer era.[17]
Fixtures
[edit]Table
[edit]| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 | 22 | 0 | 5 | 786 | 292 | +494 | 44 | Advance to Semi-finals | |
| 2 | 27 | 21 | 0 | 6 | 794 | 333 | +461 | 42 | ||
| 3 | 27 | 19 | 1 | 7 | 619 | 452 | +167 | 39 | Advance to Eliminators | |
| 4 | 27 | 18 | 0 | 9 | 610 | 310 | +300 | 36 | ||
| 5 | 27 | 17 | 0 | 10 | 677 | 314 | +363 | 34 | ||
| 6 | 27 | 15 | 0 | 12 | 688 | 458 | +230 | 30 | ||
| 7 | 27 | 13 | 1 | 13 | 539 | 461 | +78 | 27 | ||
| 8 | 27 | 10 | 0 | 17 | 480 | 641 | −161 | 20 | ||
| 9 | 27 | 10 | 0 | 17 | 425 | 652 | −227 | 20 | ||
| 10 | 27 | 7 | 0 | 20 | 347 | 738 | −391 | 14 | ||
| 11 | 27 | 6 | 0 | 21 | 396 | 815 | −419 | 12 | ||
| 12 | 27 | 3 | 0 | 24 | 234 | 1129 | −895 | 4[h] | Relegated to Championship |
- ^ The match was never officially scheduled however 2025 would have been the NRL Champion's turn to host.
- ^ Penrith played the 2025 season at the Western Sydney Stadium with their home ground, Penrith Stadium, undergoing redevelopment.
- ^ Ahead of 2024, Sky Sports announced they would be broadcasting all Super League matches over the next three seasons.[18] Exact TV channels can be sourced by using WayBack Machine on RugbyLeagueOnTV.
NB Not all games were broadcast on Sky Sports TV (advertised as "Sky Sports Exclusives"), with the remainder being broadcast using Sky Sports+, their on demand services accessible online or via red button. These games were also made available on Super League+, and a select few on the BBC.[19] Further, games on Main Event were also broadcast on Action or Arena. - ^ Played as a double-header with the women's Round 1 Super League 40–6 victory over York Valkyrie.[29]
- ^ Huddersfield schedule home match against Wigan will be held at Crown Flatt due to Huddersfield's home ground, the Kirklees Stadium, being pre booked for a Stereophonics concert on the day of the match.[33]
- ^ Played as a double-header with the women's Round 11 Super League 24–20 victory over St Helens. This was Wigan final fixture of regular season (following Warrington's withdrawal and subsequent cancellation of the following week's final game), and saw Wigan win their first League Leaders' Shield.[45]
- ^ a b Salford forfeited their game against Wakefield. Under RFL operational rules, the game is recorded as a 48–0 victory for Wakefield, and converse loss for Salford, with the points scored and conceded applying to both teams.[49]
- ^ On 22 September 2025, Salford Red Devils were deducted two points breaching "a number of RFL operational rules" surrounding their team selection for their Round 1 fixture against St Helens on 15 February 2025.[50]
Play-offs
[edit]Ahead of Wigan's semi-final, a controversy occurred after Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont informed Wigan Warriors of his intent to boycott the fixture following "unacceptable" ticket allocation for his team's travelling support. This was in spite of Wigan's ticket allocation to Leigh being over double the minimum 10% of ground capacity required by the RFL at 5,400 in a 25,000 capacity stadium. Wigan stated that their allocation was the maximum they could give under the rules of the independent Safety Advisory Group and the club's Ground Safety Officer in addition to a police consultation.[51][52][53]
Beaumont alleged that Wigan's statement on the issue was factually incorrect and an intentional attack on character, in addition to accusing Wigan of sharing private WhatsApp messages between the two clubs' CEOs and passing them off as formal correspondence. He further stated that threats to boycott the game came after Wigan cancelled a number of Leigh fans' tickets that were bought in the home stands and that the further ticket allocation was for these fans' safety to ensure these fans were segregated. This was in spite of him downplaying Wigan's safety concerns by citing the absence of safety issues between the two sides in previous games of the season. Beaumont claimed there was an agreement in place for Leigh to have a block in the East and West stands allocated to them if Leigh sold out the North Stand, and claimed he received no reasonable explanation as to why this was no longer the case. He further cited his side's deservace of extra allocation due to Wigan's allocation still being on sale and their previous season's semi-finals not selling out. He also stated his club was preparing for the semi-final as normal.[54][55][56]
On the Monday following the tie, Leigh Leopards made an official complaint to the RFL over the aforementioned build up and Wigan's stewarding before and during the game.[57]
| Date and time | Round | Versus | H/A | Venue | Result | Score | Tries | Goals | Attendance | TV | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 October; 20:00 | Semi-finals | H | Brick Community Stadium | W | 18–6 | French (2), Walters | Keighran (2/3 + 1 pen.) | 18,523 | Sky Sports+ | [58] | |
| 11 October; 18:00 | Grand Final | N | Old Trafford | L | 6–24 | Smith | Keighran (0/1 + 1 pen.) | 68,853 | Sky Sports Main Event | [59] |
Challenge Cup
[edit]On 25 June 2024, the RFL announced a change to the Challenge Cup format totalling 7 rounds compared to the previous 9, and Super League teams entering at round 3.[60] Wigan were drawn away to Sheffield Eagles on 14 January 2025.[61]
| Date and time | Round | Versus | H/A | Venue | Result | Score | Tries | Goals | Attendance | TV | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 February; 19:30 | Round 3 | A | Olympic Legacy Park | W | 48–12 | Field, French, Byrne, Eckersley, Walters, Keighran, Nsemba, Ellis | Keighran (8/8) | 1,244 | Not Televised | [62] | |
| 15 March: 17:45 | Round 4 | H | Brick Community Stadium | L | 22–26 | Eckersley, Field, Nsemba, Farrell | Smith (3/4 + 1 pen.) | 9,287 | BBC Red Button |
Transfers
[edit]Gains
[edit]| Player | Club | Contract | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years + 1 year | October 2024[63] | ||
| Gloucester Rugby | Until end of season | April 2025[64] |
Losses
[edit]| Player | Club | Contract | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retired on medical advice | September 2024[65] | ||
| Free Agent[a] | October 2024[67] | ||
| 1 Year Loan | October 2024[68] | ||
| 2 Years | October 2024[69] | ||
| 1 Year | November 2024[70] | ||
| Retired | January 2025[71] | ||
| 1 Year Loan | January 2025[72] | ||
Squad
[edit]| First team squad | Coaching staff | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Head coach Assistant coaches
Updated: 27 November 2024 | ||||||
Notes
[edit]- ^ Later joined Featherstone Rovers[66]
References
[edit]- ^ https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/every-super-league-teams-average-2025-attendance-ranked-as-seven-clubs-see-growth-108797/
- ^ "Warriors beat Oldham in pre-season". Wigan Warriors. 19 January 2025. Retrieved 19 January 2025.
- ^ "Warriors lose to Leeds in pre-season". Wigan Warriors. 26 January 2025. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
- ^ "World Club Challenge update: identity of Super League, NRL winners key". Love Rugby League. 30 September 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ "World Club Challenge date and location update after Penrith Panthers win". Love Rugby League. 6 October 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ "'Only thing that's missing': Penrith co-captain disappointed to abandon World Club Challenge | NRL | The Guardian". amp.theguardian.com. 9 October 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ Bower, Aaron (13 October 2024). "Now one of rugby league's greatest sides, what next for Wigan Warriors? | Super League | The Guardian". amp.theguardian.com. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ "Wigan Warriors still open to World Club Challenge rematch with conversations to take place, says Radlinski". 14 October 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ "Wigan Warriors chief Kris Radlinski open to Nathan Cleary's World Club Challenge proposal for 2025". 16 October 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ "Nathan Cleary: Wigan Warriors chief Kris Radlinski says every Super League club would try to sign NRL star if he considered move". Sky Sports. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
- ^ "Wigan Warriors chairman remains upbeat despite World Club Challenge blow: 'And still…'". 21 November 2024.
- ^ "World Club Challenge cancellation a blow to calendar with Wigan Warriors 2025 fixtures incoming". 20 November 2024.
- ^ "Super League in Las Vegas: Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves set for showdown at Allegiant Stadium in 2025". Sky Sports. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Wigan Warriors to play Warrington Wolves in Las Vegas in 2025". BBC Sport. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Super League 2025: Fixtures for rounds one, two and Rivals Round revealed ahead of new season". Sky Sports. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- ^ "Super League 2025: Full fixture list and schedule for new season including Wigan vs Warrington in Las Vegas". Sky Sports. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Matt Peet's classy words on Leigh Leopards following opening night defeat". loverugbyleague.com. 14 February 2025. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
- ^ "Sky Sports to show every Super League match live as part of historic new three-year TV rights deal". Sky Sports. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
- ^ "Super League: BBC to show live games for first time after signing three-year broadcast deal". BBC Sport. 7 February 2024. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
- ^ "Leigh beat Wigan in extra time after historic 0-0 draw". BBC Sport. 13 February 2025. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
- ^ "Wigan back on track with dominant win at Hull". BBC Sport. 21 February 2025. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
- ^ "Wigan impress in Las Vegas with win over Warrington". BBC Sport. 2 March 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
- ^ "Farrell double as Wigan fight back to thrash Giants". BBC Sport. 9 March 2025. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ "Leeds edge past champions Wigan in gripping contest". BBC Sport. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 22 March 2025.
- ^ "Wigan romp to 10-try win over spirited Salford". BBC Sport. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "Hull KR's unbeaten start ends with loss to Wigan". BBC Sport. 11 April 2025. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ "Field and Miski give Wigan derby win over Saints". BBC Sport. 18 April 2025. Retrieved 18 April 2025.
- ^ "Wigan hold on for Magic win against Warrington". BBC Sport. 4 May 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ "Wigan rout reigning champions York in WSL opener". BBC Sport. 16 May 2025. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ^ "Wigan go top with thrilling win over Leigh". BBC Sport. 16 May 2025. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ^ "Wigan thump Catalans to keep pace with leaders". BBC Sport. 24 May 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "Douglas runs in hat-trick as Wigan thrash Salford". BBC Sport. 30 May 2025. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "Huddersfield Giants and Wigan Warriors Super League fixture set to be hosted by League 1 club". 6 May 2025.
- ^ "Wigan beat Huddersfield with late comeback". BBC Sport. 14 June 2025. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
- ^ "Wakefield pull off shock win against Wigan". BBC Sport. 20 June 2025. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
- ^ "Farrell's late try gives Wigan victory at Castleford". BBC Sport. 28 June 2025. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ "Leigh move third with fightback to beat Wigan". BBC Sport. 4 July 2025. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Wigan come from behind to thrash lowly Huddersfield". BBC Sport. 11 July 2025. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
- ^ "Hull FC stun Wigan to boost play-off hopes". BBC Sport. 19 July 2025. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
- ^ "Wigan beat Catalans to cut Hull KR lead at top". BBC Sport. 25 July 2025. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
- ^ "Wigan beat Warrington to set up title showdown". BBC Sport. 8 August 2025. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
- ^ "Hull KR stretch lead at top with victory at Wigan". BBC Sport. 15 August 2025. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
- ^ "Wigan dismantle Wakefield to go back second". BBC Sport. 24 August 2025. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
- ^ "Wigan keep up title pace with win at Catalans". BBC Sport. 30 August 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
- ^ "Wigan defeat Saints to lift League Leaders' Shield". BBC Sport. 5 September 2025. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
- ^ "Wigan keep top spot in sight with win over Saints". BBC Sport. 5 September 2025. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
- ^ "Wigan thump Castleford to clinch top-two finish". BBC Sport. 12 September 2025. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ "French grabs two tries as Wigan beat Leeds". BBC Sport. 19 September 2025. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
- ^ "Wakefield awarded 48-0 win for Salford cancellation". BBC Sport. 20 August 2025. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
- ^ "Salford given points deduction for team selection". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ "Wigan v Leigh: Super League play-off final could be in doubt".
- ^ "Super League semi-finals: Wigan Warriors claim Leigh Leopards pull out of fixture over ticketing dispute".
- ^ "Club Statement: Play-Off Semi-Final".
- ^ "Leigh Leopards 'preparing as normal' for Wigan game, says owner Derek Beaumont".
- ^ https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/13442833/wigan-warriors-vs-leigh-leopards-what-caused-the-dispute-ahead-of-super-league-semi-final
- ^ "CLUB STATEMENT: PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL – Leigh Leopards".
- ^ "Leigh make official complaint to RFL over Wigan tie". 6 October 2025.
- ^ "French double books Grand Final return for Wigan". BBC Sport. 3 October 2025. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ^ "Hull KR beat Wigan in Grand Final to complete treble". BBC Sport. 11 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ "New format for Betfred Challenge Cup in 2025". Rugby Football League. 25 June 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Holders Wigan face possible Sheffield tie in cup". BBC Sport. 14 January 2025. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
- ^ "Warriors progress in Cup with win over Eagles". Wigan Warriors. 7 February 2025. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
- ^ McAllister, Josh (9 October 2024). "Wigan Warriors confirm first signing of 2025 with young gun from Sean Long's Oldham". Wigan Today. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ "Christian Wade: Wigan Warriors sign former England winger for rest of season after switch from rugby union | Rugby League News | Sky Sports".
- ^ Fletcher, Charlotte (27 September 2024). "Mike Cooper to retire". Wigan Warriors. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ Bower, Aaron (8 March 2025). "Ryan Hampshire lands new club with move to Championship heavyweights". Love Rugby League.
- ^ "Hampshire to leave Wigan as Isa extends stay". BBC Sport. 4 October 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ "Oldham and Wigan agree Hirst deal". Oldham. 9 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ Darbyshire, Drew (14 October 2024). "Leigh Leopards sign England Academy prop from Wigan Warriors". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ Darbyshire, Drew (2 November 2024). "Wigan Warriors youngster makes permanent Championship transfer move following loan spells". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ "Willie Isa to leave". Wigan Warriors. 23 January 2025.
- ^ "Chan joins Salford on loan". Wigan Warriors. 31 January 2025. Retrieved 31 January 2025.