Warriors 2022 Season Awards

• Jai Field named Players’ Player and Player of the Year.
• Bevan French scoops the Top Try Scorer award.
• Harry Smith wins Young Player of the Year.

Wigan Warriors held their 150th Year Celebration Dinner at the DW Stadium on Sunday afternoon where players met up with their sponsors and other guests as the 2022 awards were handed out.

Player of the Year – Jai Field

As voted for by the Warriors fans and various stakeholders, full-back Jai Field was crowned Player of the Year for 2022.

After an injury-hit season in 2021, the 24-year old has bounced back to hit top form for the Warriors in 2022. Field has scored 20 Super League tries and registered 24 assists so far this season and was a firm favourite, taking the majority of the vote.

Speaking after winning the award, he said: “I’ve really enjoyed my year this year and I put it down to everything the Coaches have done, their belief not just in me but the whole side to just play what is in front of us and play that free-flowing style helps my game.

“It’s not work, it’s very enjoyable. A lot of hard work goes into it but it’s definitely enjoyable and fun.”

Players’ Player of the Year – Jai Field

Admired by the fans, Field’s contributions are also admired by his team mates as he also secured the Player’s Player of the Year award for 2022.

In a season that saw him named in the Super League Dream Team for the first time, he said: “I’ve really enjoyed it this year and I’ve decided to stick around for two more years so I think that shows how much I enjoy it here.

“It’s an honour, especially with your peers voting for you it makes it that bit more special definitely.”

Young Player of the Year – Harry Smith

Young Player of the Year was awarded to Harry Smith, in what has been an outstanding year for the scrum half.

The 22-year old has crossed for 6 Super League tries this year, also getting 20 try assists but it is his kicking form which has caught the eye of many, having converted 90 goals and 2 drop goals in the Super League this year.

Lee Briers handing over the award said: “I’d like to say it was all down to me but it’s not. Harry over the last couple of years – last year was a tough time, this year he’s been unbelievable. I firmly believe that the last two years have given Harry a foundation, he plays in the most pressured position following the likes of Andy Gregory, Shaun Edwards, Tommy Leuluai – Harry has built a foundation and if he keeps going the way he is going he will be talked about in the same light as those players.”

Smith said: “It’s been a good year for me and the team. The confidence and enjoyment we have together as a team resonates on the field and hopefully, we can take that into the next couple of weeks of the season.”

Top Try Scorer – Bevan French

The final award was for Bevan French, who took home the accolade of Top Try Scorer with 31 tries in 2022.

Speaking on his award, French said: “When I got over here and saw the history of some of the wingers that Wigan have had, there’s been some great success over the years and it’s definitely inspired me to try and reach the levels that they have.”

Hall of Fame

Sean O’Loughlin OBE was inducted to the Hall of Fame following his retirement from the game, and after not receiving his award due to Covid, O’Loughlin was officially inducted at Sunday’s event.

Kris Radlinski MBE was the latest addition to the Hall of Fame after being inducted by Chairman Ian Lenegan at the 150th Celebration dinner. From player to director, Radlinski has been at his hometown Club since 1993 and has gone on to become a Wigan great. You can read more on Radlinski’s induction HERE.

On being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Radlinski said: “It’s caught me by surprise. I’ve been very lucky that this is the only job I’ve ever had. It’s the only place I’ve ever worked. The place means a lot to me. There’s a lot of great memories, but my greatest memory of all actually happened this year. When the team won the Cup, I was able to celebrate it with people I’ve never been able to do it with before. I was in the boardroom with my family at the side of me. That was the greatest moment I’ve had in my career.”