Over The Years: Sheffield

Wigan Warriors travel to south yorkshire on Friday night to take on Sheffield Eagles in the Betfred Challenge Cup Third Round.

In a repeat of last season’s Challenge Cup opener at The Brick Community Stadium, which saw Bevan French score a hat-trick, the Warriors take on Sheffield Eagles as they begin their trophy defence.

Ahead of our first visit to Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, we look back at three meetings against the Eagles from over the years:

Wigan 34-8 Sheffield Eagles, John Player Special Trophy, 1987

Wigan recorded a win in their first competitive clash against Sheffield which took place in front of 7,484 supporters at Central Park in Round 1 of the John Player Special Trophy.

The Eagles opened the scoring through Roy Rafferty’s penalty before David Close extended the lead soon after. Wigan responded with three tries in 10 minutes through Ellery Hanley, David Stevenson and Andy Goodway to take a 16-8 lead into the break.

Henderson Gill crossed twice after the interval before Goodway scored his second to ensure Graham Lowe’s side sealed progression against their Second Division opponents.

Sheffield Eagles 24-36 Wigan, Championship, 1996

In front of Sky’s cameras, and having sealed a seventh straight title the week before, Wigan produced a determined performance at Don Valley to add two more points to the season total.

Despite falling behind inside three minutes, Wigan responded perfectly as Va’aiga Tuigamala burst through a gap on the right edge to score before Mick Cassidy and Kris Radlinski crossed for a 20-6 lead. Sheffield added a second converted try before the break to cut the points difference.

Henry Paul grounded the first try of the second half before Martin Offiah accelerated through the middle to make the score 30-12. Despite successive Sheffield tries to reduce the difference to six, Tuigamala and Rob Smyth combined to score Wigan’s seventh of the match with 10 minutes to go.

Sheffield Eagles 34-50 Wigan Warriors, Challenge Cup, 2010

One of only three Challenge Cup ties between the sides, Sam Tomkins scored a hat-trick at Bramall Lane as the Warriors progressed to the Last 16 of the competition.

Wigan led inside a minute when Pat Richards collected a high kick to power over in the left corner. Despite a quick-fire double to put Sheffield ahead, tries from Martin Gleeson, George Carmont, Iafeta Paleaaesina and Sean O’Loughlin gave the Warriors a 28-10 lead at the break.

A blitz of tries at the start of the second half through Tomkins, who scored twice, and Andy Coley widened the points difference. Tomkins completed his hat-trick after Tony Barnett had crossed for Sheffield, who scored three late tries through Alex Rowe, Barnett and Brendon Lindsay.

Tickets for Friday night’s tie against Sheffield Eagles remain available to purchase directly through the hosts HERE. Coach travel from Robin Park Arena to Olympic Legacy Park is available HERE.

Tuesday 04 February 2025