Major Wigan Warriors signings suffer shock squad number snub

Wigan Warriors have confirmed the first team squad numbers for the 2024 season.

The club have made a whole host of huge signings following their title winning season in 2023 and they’ve now taken to social media to confirm their squad numbers for 2024, a statement on their website also confirming the news.

It read: “There are 29 first team players for next year, with Jai Field (1), Jake Wardle (4), Liam Marshall (5), Harry Smith (7), Liam Byrne (10), Willie Isa (11), Liam Farrell (12) and Mike Cooper (14) all retaining their respective numbers from last season.

“Our new signings have all been given their squad numbers with Adam Keighran taking the number 3 shirt, Luke Thompson taking number 16, whilst Kruise Leeming (17), Sam Walters (22), Tiaki Chan (24) and Sam Eseh (25) all secure their squad numbers.”

It is a surprise to see Luke Thompson and Kruise Leeming miss out on the starting 13 especially Thompson who misses out on 13 to Kaide Ellis.

Following a Top Try Scoring season in 2023, Abbas Miski will wear the number 2 shirt, with Bevan French taking number 6 after finishing last season as a formidable half back.

Ethan Havard moves into the number 8 shirt, whilst Brad O’Neill takes number 9 after cementing his place with a strong season at hooker last year.

Kaide Ellis also has a new squad number – taking the vacated 13 shirt – along with Patrick Mago (15), Tyler Dupree (19), Harvie Hill (20), Junior Nsemba (21), Ryan Hampshire (23), Zach Eckersley (26), Tom Forber (27), Jacob Douglas (28), Harvey Makin (29) and Jack Farrimond, who joins the first team squad from the Warriors Academy and Reserves set-up, will wear the number 30 shirt.

Since 2008, the No.18 shirt has been awarded to the Wigan Warriors fans as a way to recognise their valued and loyal support and that is no different for 2023.Shirt printing will be available in store only from 10am on Thursday 14 December, priced at £12. Supporters who wish to have shirts printed that have already been purchased, must ensure the shirt is in a clean condition when returning for printing. Printed shirts cannot be exchanged for incorrect size.

It is an exciting time for the new Wigan signings such as Tiaki Chan. On signing for the club, he said:

“It’s been very different for me but I’ve loved every minute I’ve been here. I’m learning everyday and I’m loving coming in and just working with a new group of lads.

“I got a call from Matty Peet who told me how professional it was and how straight to the point it was. I know how hard it is here as Wigan have always been one of the best and most successful Clubs in the world so that was part of the reason I wanted to join.”