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2025 Season Review: Wigan Warriors

2 hrs

Relentless Wigan Warriors were among the front runners once again, although they are now the former champions.

Wigan might have fallen short of their all-conquering 2024 campaign, but this was another impressive season for the Warriors under Matt Peet.

Their hopes of retaining the four trophies they lifted last year ended initially when no World Club Challenge was scheduled.

They were trailing pacesetters Hull KR from the first night of the competition, having lost a captivating opening derby to Leigh Leopards in golden point extra time by a remarkable 1-0 scoreline.

But then there was then a major high on the other side of the Atlantic.

To the delight of their travelling army of supporters, Peet’s side swept into a 42-0 lead against Warrington in Las Vegas, eventually winning 48-24 as eight different try scorers produced a show to remember on a global stage.

Just outstanding from @WiganWarriorsRL in Las Vegas ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/p2EEMsCu9U
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 1, 2025

Just eight days later Wigan were back on home soil against Huddersfield, before their Betfred Challenge Cup campaign ended in a shock home defeat to Hull FC, when the Warriors side let slip a 16-point half-time lead.

An away loss at Leeds then put them further behind the Robins, but they clawed their way back into League Leaders’ contention with a nine-match winning run, including an eye-catching away triumph at Hull KR.

The Warriors’ form was less consistent during the summer months, which included three defeats, the last of which proved crucial at home to the same opponents.

But they finished the year in much more trademark fashion to eventually finish just two points off top spot.

The 2023 Steve Prescott Man of Steel Bevan French missing nine league matches through injury was a definite disruption, with prop Luke Thompson and winger Abbas Miski also absent for extended spells.

Otherwise, Peet’s side was relatively settled, and had more moments of absolute magic from top try scorer and Dream Team pick Jai Field at full-back, who proved yet again what a threat he is from literally anywhere on a Rugby League field.

He was joined in the mythical team of the year by Liam Marshall, while Jake Wardle and Zach Ecklersley were other key members of the backline.

Harry Smith again steered the team from half-back alongside hookers Kruise Leeming and Brad O’Neill, while French was at his brilliant best once he returned to the side, especially when linking with Field.

One more from French to round off the first half ?‍?

That Field and French duo ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/hoV7ArTYJQ
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 3, 2025

In the pack, rock solid loose forward Kaide Ellis was an ever present, back rowers Junior Nsemba and Liam Farrell near constants, and Sam Walters switching effectively between front and second row.

Up front the workload was carried by the likes of Patrick Mago, Warrington-bound Liam Byrne and Tyler Dupree, with another player heading for pastures new, Hull FC signing Harvey Hill, also finishing the year strongly.

As always there was also a sprinkling of exciting youngsters who showed up well when called upon, including half-back Jack Farrimond and three-quarter Jacob Douglas.

With plenty more waiting for their chance to step up to first team level, Peet and his squad look well placed to continue competing at the top for years to come.

Key Man

Over 2,000 metres with the ball and approaching 1,000 tackles without it added up to another year of immense industry for Kaide Ellis, the loose forward.

Rising Star

Jack Farrimond, the talented young half-back, scored eight tries in as many appearances in the league and proved a more than capable playmaking option when called upon.