End of Season Gala Dinner
On Sunday afternoon, Wigan Warriors celebrated their 2024 End of Season Gala Dinner sponsored by Steve Woods Ltd with Jake Wardle the star of the show.
Junior Legend Award – George Hughes
The inspirational George Hughes, who raised more than £100,000 for the Freeman Heart & Lung Transplant Association, is our Junior Legend award winner! George’s donation page is still live for anyone still wishing to donate and can be found HERE.
Young Player of the Year – Junior Nsemba
Matt Peet presented Junior Nsemba with the Young Player of the Year award following an incredible breakthrough season for the 20-year-old.
On winning Young Player of the Year, Junior Nsemba said: “I thank all the coaches for where they’ve got me to, the players who I couldn’t do all this without, and the fans for getting behind us all. It’s been a breakthrough season for me but there’s still a lot more I can learn.”
Try of the Year – Bevan French v Hull KR (R25)
Martin Offiah presented the Try of the Year award which was won by Bevan French for his magical try against Hull KR in Round 25.
On winning the award, Bevan French said: “It was a pretty special try. Those tries come from how I grew up playing the game back in Australia – it’s just instinct. It’s unbelievable to even be recognised by someone like Martin who has achieved so much throughout his career. It’s a special moment.”
Players’ Player of the Year – Jake Wardle
Sean O’Loughlin announced Jake Wardle as the 2024 Players’ Player of the Year, with Kaide Ellis finishing second in the votes with Luke Thompson third.
On being selected as the Players’ Player of the Year, Jake Wardle said: “I’m really grateful to be recognised by the lads who I play alongside week in week out. We’ve had a fantastic season so far and I’m looking forward to next week.”
Steve Woods Ltd Player of the Year – Jake Wardle
The Warriors 2024 Steve Woods Ltd Player of the Year, as voted by supporters, was Jake Wardle with Junior Nsemba a close second and Liam Marshall finishing third.
On being named the Steve Woods Ltd Player of the Year, Jake Wardle said: “I feel really grateful to be recognised as the Player of the Year as there is a lot of talent throughout our squad. Liam Marshall has had an incredible season, as has Junior, so I’m just grateful to be selected.”
Chairmans Award – Head of Media and Marketing, Stewart Frodsham
The final award of the afternoon saw Professor Chris Brookes hand out his first Chairmans Award to the Club’s Media and Marketing Manger, Stewart Frodsham.
On his selection, Professor Chris Brookes said: “There’s a couple of people who spring to mind with one of them being our Director of Finance, David Moore. He’s honest, loyal, dedicated, and he gives everything to the Club. The other person is someone who joined the Club in 2006 and his pride, passion and dedication to the Club is second to none – Stewart Frodsham.”
The Club also bid farewell to two players with Mike Cooper and Ryan Hampshire set to depart the Club following next Saturday’s Grand Final, with both players awarded a plaque commemorating their time at the Club. Whilst Phil Jameson of Leisuretec UK was awarded with a gift from the Club to celebrate both his 60th Birthday and 40-year association with the Warriors.
