CALLUM WALKER revisits the 2025 season of Wigan Warriors.
The hope
Wigan Warriors had cast aside all and sundry in 2024 and the challenge facing them in 2025 was to back it up with every other Super League side gunning for them.
Like all stable, trophy-hunting sides, there was little in the way of upheaval in terms of ins and outs at the Brick Community Stadium, with only George Hirst signing from Oldham and Ryan Hampshire and Mike Cooper leaving the club, the latter having retired after a great career.
Head coach Matt Peet was another year wiser whilst predictions still had the Warriors sitting pretty in silverware spots for 2025.
The reality
It wasn’t exactly the follow-up that Peet and his men wanted after completing the treble in 2024. It started with a historic 0-1 result against Leigh in the Battle of the Borough in front of 21,748 spectators at the Brick Community Stadium.
And although there was no World Club Challenge tie against Penrith Panthers on offer, Wigan joined the Panthers as Super League made its debut in Las Vegas, with the Warriors seeing off Warrington 48-24.
Two weeks later, however, Wigan fell to a surprise home defeat by Hull FC in the Challenge Cup and warning bells began to sound.
They did make it to the Grand Final once more, however, only to be beaten by Hull KR this time. The Warriors had finished the league season in second place, missing out on the League Leaders’ Shield by just two points, although helped by having done the double over fierce rivals St Helens.
The expectation surrounding Wigan had increased significantly following success in 2024, however, and this time around, the Warriors just couldn’t hold off the Robins’ challenge. Remarkably, Peet’s side lost just three more games – one in the league, one in the Challenge Cup and the Grand Final – last season than they did in 2024.
Best players
There can be no looking away from Bevan French and Jai Field when looking at the success of Wigan. Whilst Field assisted 21 and scored 24 in the league, French scored 12 and assisted 22. Field, of course, just edged it in the reckoning for the Super League Man of Steel shortlist.
The pair bounce off each other like very few partnerships seen before in the past decade and both men can turn a game in a matter of seconds. Liam Marshall and Jake Wardle also enjoyed themselves on the left wing, with the winger and centre respectively both scoring 15 tries apiece in the league.
In quotes
“I’m excited to join Wigan Warriors, a club with a tremendous legacy. I’m honoured to be joining a list of legendary players who have played for this club. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career and I can’t wait to get started.” Rugby union star Christian Wade made the shock move to Wigan in April and debuted for the club in July. He would make just two first-team appearances – scoring two tries – for the Warriors.
“I’m really pleased to be extending my stay here at Wigan. I’m very grateful to the club and the fans who have shown so much faith in me over the past few seasons. I’ve enjoyed every minute of being here so far and looking forward to hopefully some more great memories here with this group and club.” Jai Field expressing his gratitude to the Warriors after signing a new four-year deal in March.
“When it comes to a final, moments are the story of the game and it wasn’t to be this evening. Hull KR took their opportunities better than we did which is the difference between winning and losing. The people of Hull KR deserve this from top to bottom. It’s a great moment in their history and they deserve to enjoy it.” Matt Peet was philosophical and generous after Wigan’s 24-6 Grand Final defeat to Hull KR as he paid tribute to Rovers and their supporters.
In numbers
3,746 metres Liam Marshall made during the Super League campaign, placing him fourth in Super League.
17,088 was Wigan’s average attendance in the regular season in 2025 – an increase of 2,178 on 2024.
794 points Wigan scored in Super League in 2025 – the most in the league.
Highlight
A nine-game winning streak in the middle of the season as well as a six-game winning run heading into the Grand Final suggested that it could well be Wigan’s year again.
A superb 28-12 win over Hull KR in round seven underlined the improvement the Robins needed to make before the end of the season with the Warriors still setting the benchmark early on in the campaign.
Some brilliant attendances, including a 24,294 crowd against local rivals St Helens, also proved that Wigan’s marketing success off the field was better than ever.
Jai Field signing a new four-year deal was also a key bit of business.
Lowlight
The 24-6 loss to Hull KR in the Grand Final saw the Warriors lose their crown as reigning Super League champions, whilst a bizarre 26-22 loss to Hull FC in the Challenge Cup fourth round ended any hopes of Wigan retaining their Challenge Cup title.
Being on the receiving end of a Hull FC loss wouldn’t be an isolated result either, as Peet’s men again lost against the Black and Whites in round 19 in a 32-12 drubbing at the Brick Community Stadium.