2023 Season Preview: Wigan Warriors

Matt Peet's appointment at Wigan instilled a newfound confidence at the club last season. The Warriors transformed under Peet - from recording the worst points scoring average in 2021 to the best last year. The Warriors were almost unrecognisable in their approach and were rewarded with a Betfred Challenge Cup Final win just eight months into Peet's tenure. However, their season ultimately ended in disappointment after a premature exit in the Play-Off Semi-Finals.

This season, the Warriors will be hoping to build on 2022 and have the foundations in place to go even further this season. They possess two of the competitions best attacking threats in Jai Field and Bevan French - the elusive pair lit up Betfred Super League last year and will be tasked with doing the same this time round. Nothing less than a Grand Final appearance will suffice for Matt Peet's men in 2023.

Lethal combination ?

16 times from Field ? French for @WiganWarriorsRL tries in #SuperLeague last season ?

Expect more of the same in 2023 ? pic.twitter.com/OVwnQJAqZz
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) January 18, 2023

Ins & Outs

Ins

Jake Wardle (Huddersfield Giants), Toby King (Warrington Wolves, loan)

Outs

Jake Bibby (Huddersfield Giants), Oliver Partington (Salford Red Devils), Sam Halsall (Huddersfield Giants), Thomas Leuluai (retired), Jack Bibby (Huddersfield Giants), John Bateman (West Tigers)

Ones to watch

2023 stars

Bevan French was a joy to watch in 2022. Fans had to wait until Round 7 for French's eagerly anticipated return and it wasn't long before he picked up where he left off. A season best 31 tries from 21 appearances - as well as 16 try assists - saw French finish with more try contributions than any other player in Super League.

Alongside Man of Steel finalist Jai Field, French was a focal point in Wigan's vastly improved attack and a danger whenever he had the ball in hand. In 2023, he starts the season having enjoyed a full pre-season with the Warriors - something he missed out on last season. We could be treated to even more spectacular moments from French in 2023.

For all the Warriors improvements in 2022, they lacked distinct strike power and consistency in the centres. But thanks to the arrival of Jake Wardle in 2023 - that shouldn?t be the case again. Wardle had an up and down 2022 - he moved to Warrington on loan mid-way through the season after falling out of favour at the Giants, whilst also making his England debut during their mid-season clash with the All Stars.

Wardle made the most of his 11 appearances at the Wolves - scoring nine tries and setting up three more - and demonstrated his unquestionable attacking prowess. In a Wigan side littered with threats across the back line, Wardle could flourish in 2023.

Next generation

There's a passing of the guard at the Warriors in 2023. Tommy Leuluai has called time on his immaculate career with Harry Smith awarded the vacant number seven shirt. And now, waiting in the wings, youngster Logan Astley will be biding his time to get a chance in the Wigan halves.

Astley is highly regarded at the Warriors and is a player Matt Peet knows well. Still only 19 years old, Astley enjoyed his first taste of Super League in 2022 and will undoubtedly get more chances to showcase his undeniable talent during the 2023 season.

Defining dates

The Warriors were undefeated at home during the 2022 regular season. Their unblemished record was eventually tainted after a disappointing Play-Off Semi-Final loss to the Rhinos. But, overall, it was their away form that required improvement.

Their eight league losses were all on the road and proved to be the decisive factor in finishing below rivals St Helens in second place. Ahead of 2023, the Warriors will be targeting top spot as Matt Peet looks to build on an impressive first season in charge.

No stopping MARSHALL ????? pic.twitter.com/b5GP04Tcme
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 26, 2022

A trip to Hull to face the Robins in Round 13 is the start of a tricky run of fixtures on the road in 2023. After that, they face the Dragons at Magic Weekend in Newcastle - Wigan have failed to win at Magic Weekend in their last three attempts. 

Their next game before the Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals is arguably the toughest - a huge Round 15 visit to St Helens to take on the Champions before a return to Super League action a fortnight later sees Matt Peet's side travel to the Red Devils for their fourth consecutive league fixture on the road.

Squad list

1. Jai Field, 2. Bevan French, 3. Toby King, 4. Jake Wardle, 5. Liam Marshall, 6. Cade Cust, 7. Harry Smith, 8. Brad Singleton, 9. Sam Powell, 10. Liam Byrne, 11. Willie Isa, 12. Liam Farrell, 13. Morgan Smithies, 14. Mike Cooper, 15. Kaide Ellis, 16. Ethan Havard, 17. Kai Pearce-Paul, 18. Wigan Warriors Fans, 19. Joe Shorrocks, 20. Patrick Mago, 21. Iain Thornley, 22. Brad O'Neill, 23. Abbas Miski, 24. Logan Astley, 25. Alex Sutton, 26. Harvie Hill, 27. Junior Nsemba, 28. Zach Eckersley, 29. Tom Forber, 30. Ramon Silva.