Wardle’s stand out moments from 2024
Jake Wardle selects his significant moments from the 2024 season which saw Wigan Warriors complete a historic Grand Slam.
The Warriors centre scored 14 tries in all competitions last season which was recognised at the Club’s End of Season awards where Wardle was voted the Steve Woods Ltd Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year.
Whilst building towards the 2025 season at Robin Park Arena, Wardle sat down to reflect on his favourite moments from a historic campaign which saw the Warriors become the first team in the Super League era to hold all four major trophies:
Becoming a world champion
The Warriors lifted a record-equalling fifth World Club title in February after tries from Abbas Miski, Kruise Leeming and Wardle sealed a 16-12 victory over Penrith Panthers at The Brick Community Stadium.
“It was fantastic to beat a team like Penrith in front of a sold out crowd in Wigan,” Wardle said. “Looking back the whole experience stood out and it was only afterwards that I realised how big a moment scoring was.”
Progressing to the Challenge Cup Final
After beating Sheffield Eagles and Castleford Tigers to reach the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final, the Warriors met Hull KR at the Eco-Power Stadium in search of a 21st title upon a Wembley return.
The Warriors produced a dominant display in Doncaster to defeat the Robins 38-6 as Wardle crossed twice alongside tries from Miski (x2), Junior Nsemba, Harry Smith and Tyler Dupree.
“This one sticks out purely for the way we handled the game,” Wardle said. “Hull KR were very good last year and we knew heading into this one that it would be tough. However, we knew if we turned up we’d win and get a little redemption back after losing to Hull KR at this stage last year.
“We were ruthless throughout and it was nice to cross for two tries on a memorable afternoon. The way the team performed and how we handled the pressure of the occasion is what I’ll remember.”
A turning point in the race for the League Leaders’ Shield
Matt Peet’s side faced Hull KR in a highly anticipated top of the table clash at The Brick Community Stadium with three rounds remaining. Despite trailing 20-8 after 57 minutes, a moment of magic from Bevan French followed by a Marshall double turned the contest around as Wigan claimed a vital 24-20 win.
“Looking back Marshy’s winning try was such a massive point in the season,” Wardle exclaimed. “The move started with a great bit of skill between Paddy [Mago] and Junior before I had the easy part in running down the wing and handing over to Marshy. There’s no doubt about it that try was the turning point in our season that allowed us to essentially go on and lift the League Leaders’ Shield.”
Flying finish against the Rhinos
The Warriors recorded an emphatic 38-0 win over Leeds Rhinos at The Brick Community Stadium in Round 27, which saw Wardle open the scoring in the early stages with a sensational acrobatic finish in the corner.
“We knew exactly what Leeds could do as we lost there a few weeks prior and they were desperate for the win,” Wardle said. “It was a game we could have slipped up in had we not got right but the way we started set the tone.”
“It was a great kick from Harry followed by a class piece of skill from Marshy – I just had to finish it. It wasn’t until afterwards when I had people sending me the try that I realised what I’d done. In the moment you’re focused on getting the job done but afterwards you can analyse things better and see more had to be done.
“I’m forced to sit and watch matches afterwards by my little boy who loves rugby. That’s testament to the Club for being so family focused which is special. In return I get to enjoy those moments with him afterwards.”
Creating history at Old Trafford
Having scored in a 64-0 win over Salford Red Devils in the final round of the regular season to lift the League Leaders’ Shield, Wardle and the Warriors saw off Leigh Leopards in the play-off semi-final to seal a return to Old Trafford.
Bevan French cut through the Hull KR defence to score the contest’s sole try as a Smith drop goal and two Adam Keighran goals ensured a 9-2 win and history at The Theatre of Dreams.
“It would be impossible not to look back on the season and to not think we’ve done something pretty special,” Wardle said. “From the first game against Castleford to completing the Grand Slam it would be hard to pick just one of those to favour. We have to look at it as one and be proud of what we have achieved.”
“Even though we had discussions going into the Grand Final on winning all four, I don’t think we fully understood how big an achievement it actually is until afterwards. We had the experience of winning the Grand Final the year before which helped with the emotional side – we knew we were there to the job done which is what we did.”
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