2025 Season Review
Wigan Warriors created global history during a 2025 season which saw Matt Peet’s side fall just short of a third straight Betfred Super League title.
Following a professional win over Sheffield Eagles in the Betfred Challenge Cup Third Round, the Warriors opened their Super League campaign with a blockbuster Battle of the Borough clash against Leigh Leopards in front of 21,748 at The Brick Community Stadium.
The night began in spectacular fashion, with legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer and local band The Lathums adding to the occasion. A fiercely contested encounter made history as the first Super League match to finish scoreless in regular time before Gareth O’Brien’s drop goal sealed a 1-0 win for Leigh in golden point.
Jai Field’s hat-trick inspired a 46-6 victory at Hull FC, before excitement turned global as Wigan travelled to Las Vegas for the first-ever Super League fixture in the United States. During a special week stateside, the squad trained at the UFC Performance Institute and shared a joint session with NRL side New Zealand Warriors.
In front of thousands of travelling supporters, Matt Peet’s side delivered a dazzling performance at the Allegiant Stadium, running in eight tries through Tyler Dupree, Abbas Miski, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Jai Field, Jake Wardle, Luke Thompson, and Liam Marshall to secure a memorable win on the world stage.
After defeats to Hull FC in the Challenge Cup and Leeds Rhinos, the Warriors ended March with a 54-0 win over Salford Red Devils. Jake Wardle grabbed a hat-trick as Field’s brace took his season tally to seven tries.
April proved defining as the Cherry and Whites beat Hull KR and Hull FC, either side of a sold-out Good Friday Derby triumph over St Helens. Off the field, the Club confirmed the signing of Christian Wade, the former rugby union winger and NFL running back, on a short-term deal. Head Coach Matt Peet was later named Super League Coach of the Month.
The form continued through May, including a Magic Weekend win over Warrington Wolves and further victories against Leigh, Catalans, and Salford. Adam Keighran crossed in three of four fixtures, and youngster Kian McDermott made his debut, earning heritage number 1137.
At Dewsbury’s FLAIR Stadium, Jack Farrimond’s late try sealed a ninth straight win, as Liam Marshall overtook Pat Richards as Wigan’s all-time Super League try scorer. The winning streak ended with a narrow loss to Wakefield, compounded by a calf injury to Bevan French. Liam Farrell’s late score secured victory at Castleford on Field’s 100th appearance, before a loss at Leigh.
Wigan Warriors proudly came together ahead of their Round 18 clash with Huddersfield to celebrate Sir Billy Boston KBE, who was recently appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace – the first player ever to receive a knighthood for services to rugby league.
It was a fitting night at The Brick Community Stadium, as Wigan secured two points and debutant Wade marked the occasion with a memorable try. The following weekend, despite Wade producing a superb solo effort, the Warriors fell to play-off hopefuls Hull FC at home – a result that extended the gap at the top of the table to four points.
Ahead of a home clash with Catalans Dragons, the Club announced exciting news that the two sides will meet at the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris in 2026 – a special fixture marking the 20th anniversary of the French side’s debut in Super League.
Following a dominant display against the Dragons at The Brick Community Stadium, Wigan showcased their resilience, overturning a half time deficit to secure a third straight victory over Warrington Wolves. Inspired by impressive performances from Farrimond and Zach Eckersley, the Warriors’ earned a crucial two points ahead of a showdown with leaders Hull KR.
In the week leading up to the much-anticipated clash, Wigan confirmed the return of Paul Deacon to the Club as Assistant Coach, marking his comeback after more than a decade in rugby union. Despite Keighran’s late converted try against the Robins, a hard-fought contest went the way of Hull KR, who extended their lead at the top of the table to six points with five regular matches remaining.
The Warriors bounced back in style to keep their hopes of a third straight League Leaders’ Shield alive after heavy victories over Wakefield Trinity and Catalans Dragons. Having followed up an important first Derby triumph for Peet at the Totally Wicked Stadium with a win against Castleford, the battle for top spot went down to the final round after Hull KR were beaten at Wakefield.
Despite recording their fifth consecutive victory, the Warriors narrowly missed out on the League Leaders’ Shield after Hull KR edged out Warrington Wolves. Meanwhile, Leigh Leopards overcame Wakefield Trinity in the opening round of the play-offs, setting up a second consecutive knockout meeting with the Warriors for a place in the Betfred Super League Grand Final.
At the RL Awards, Jake Connor claimed the 2025 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel, ahead of Jai Field and Mikey Lewis, while Harry Robertson was named Young Player of the Year over Junior Nsemba. At the Club Awards, Field swept Player of the Year, Players’ Player, and Try of the Year, with Eckersley earning Young Player of the Year.
In a repeat of the 2024 Betfred Super League Grand Final, Hull KR and Wigan Warriors faced off to be crowned champions at Old Trafford. After a no try denied Bevan French an opener, the Robins capitalised on a sin-binning to lead 10-2 at the break. Despite Harry Smith’s try reducing the points difference to four early in the second half, Hull KR responded through Jez Litten and Joe Burgess to lift the title for the first time.
The Warriors have announced the departures of Christian Wade, Liam Byrne and Harvie Hill upon the conclusion of the 2025 season. Wade will return to rugby union having signed for Newcastle Red Bulls, while Academy graduates Byrne and Hill will join Warrington Wolves and Hull FC respectively.
Join the Warriors in 2026! Seasonal Memberships are now available to purchase from The Brick Community Stadium Ticket Office and online HERE.
