A special night on Friday

It was a night to remember on Friday for many different reasons.

Take a read below to see what happened at Robin Park Arena and the DW Stadium…

500 kids at Robin Park Rugby League session

Prior to all the action over at the DW, it was all happening next door at Robin Park Arena as a pre-game community club session got things underway on the night.

Over 500 kids – boys and girls aged five and over – were involved in the session with Wigan Warriors Community Foundation coaches, Academy players and Education Academy students.

Credit: Bryan Fowler

The session included the Davanti passing challenge, fun skill games and a kicking competition.

“Thank you” wristbands

On arrival at the DW Stadium on Friday, all fans were given a β€œthank you” wristband each as a thank you from the Club for your fantastic support throughout the 2021 season.

https://twitter.com/MrJRoughley/status/1438987654801108995?s=20

Superhero Round

The Club themed Friday’s game as ‘Superhero Round’. After the numerous challenges and difficulties we have all experienced this past year and a half, the Club rewarded those who have acted like β€˜superheroes’. Whether you are a Season Ticket Holder and wanted to show your appreciation to someone who has helped you hugely through the pandemic or that you are a key worker and wanted to come to watch some Rugby League, Wigan Warriors put on two fantastic offers to celebrate all things superheroes.

For the fixture, all Season Ticket Holders could invite a friend or family member for free to attend with them. 

Also, as a thank you to all key workers for their outstanding efforts throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the Club gave away two tickets each to all key workers.

12,852 fans were in attendance at the DW on Friday and we would like to thank everyone for your amazing support. All the key workers were sat in the North Stand and the Wigan players showed their appreciation at full time…

Credit: Bernard Platt.

For the game, we also encouraged everyone to come in fancy dress as any superhero, with a special prize available for the best outfit! Here’s one of the entries…

LDRL festival as curtain raiser

Wigan Warriors hosted the latest Learning Disability Rugby League (LDRL) festival on the DW Stadium pitch – as a curtain raiser ahead of the first team game. The LDRL game has progressed greatly this year and on Friday the DW Stadium provided a memorable opportunity for everyone involved. Teams from Wigan, St Helens and Warrington all took part, with Wigan fans watching on as they arrived inside the DW.

Credit: Bernard Platt

The LDRL is a variant of the game developed to ensure people with a learning disability can access and enjoy playing the game of Rugby League. This accessible offer is open to any individuals who have a learning disability or an associated condition. The emphasis in LDRL is on enjoyment, it is generally non-competitive and completely inclusive. The activities are delivered with a view to developing the participants skills and confidence while providing new challenges and opportunities.

This format was born out of Physical Disability Rugby League in 2018. It was created to meet the diverse requirements of Rugby League players with disabilities, ensuring no individual is excluded from accessing Rugby League and to provide a team-sport experience to those who previously would not have had such an opportunity.

Three festivals and a LDRL finals day take place each year, with Wigan playing in all the festivals this year. Take a look at our gallery below as the DW hosted the latest festival on Friday.

Wigan’s win over the League Leaders

To top off a brilliant night, the Warriors first team overcame the League Leaders, Catalans Dragons. A try on his return to the side for captain Willie Isa and a memorable first ever Wigan touchdown for youngster James McDonnell on his DW Stadium debut inspired the Cherry and Whites to victory.

Two Zak Hardaker conversions proved to be the difference in the end as the Warriors ran out 12-8 winners and now head into next week’s Betfred Super League Play-Off Eliminator against Leeds full of confidence and momentum, following two successive league wins.

Loch Lomond Whiskies sampling

Prior to the action inside the DW, official spirits partner Loch Lomond Group sampled its Loch Lomond Whiskies 12-year-old single malt and Ben Lomond Gin by the foot bridge in the South East corner of the stadium, with the help of the Berkeley Warrior Girls. A limited number of branded beanie hats were also given away around the DW.

Credit: Bernard Platt.

Warriors Lotto 10K Draw

The latest Warriors Lotto Β£10,000 Draw took place on the side of the pitch during half time of the first team game. Congratulations to J Fairclough from Marsh Green who was the winner!

Wigan Warriors face Leeds Rhinos on Thursday 23rd September (7:45pm K.O.) in the first Betfred Super League Play-Off Eliminator Game. Tickets are on sale for the game, with the winner progressing to the Play-Off Semi Finals. Click HERE to buy your tickets NOW!

Sunday 19 September 2021