Wigan Warriors are set for their first friendly of 2024 as they take a group of young players from their Academy and Reserves teams to play against Midlands Hurricanes at Alexander Stadium on Saturday 20th January at 2:00 pm.
This pre-season friendly is part of a new dual registration agreement between Wigan Warriors and the Hurricanes, which will offer some of Wigan’s up-and-coming players the chance to gain valuable first-team experience and develop their skills by playing competitive Rugby League.
Under the agreement which includes this fixture, Wigan players will remain registered with the Warriors but will also be eligible to play for the Hurricanes. This means that when a Wigan player goes on dual registration to the Hurricanes, they will be able to train and play matches for both clubs. However, they will only be allowed to play in one fixture per scheduled round of fixtures in any given week and cannot play for both Hurricanes and Wigan in the same weekend.
Shane Eccles, Head of Youth at Wigan Warriors, spoke positively about the dual registration agreement, stating that it provides an excellent opportunity for young players to gain valuable experience playing at a different level, while also helping Midlands Hurricanes to develop their team and expand Rugby League to a wider audience.
How to buy Wigan Warriors tickets?
Newcastle Thunder v Wigan Warriors – Friendly match Ramon Silva of Wigan Warriors is tackled during the Friendly match between Newcastle Thunder and Wigan Warriors at Kingston Park, Newcastle on Saturday 22nd January 2022. Newcastle Upon Tyne Tyne and Wear United Kingdom PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xMIxNewsx originalFilename:fletcher-newcastl220123_npiGJ.jpg
Tickets for the friendly on Saturday 20th January are available online from Midlands Hurricanes’ website, with pay-on-the-day options also available, although at a higher price.
In general, tickets for Wigan games can be purchased through the club. Fans hoping to attend the World Club Challenge should act fast however with over 22,000 tickets sold already the game nearing a sell-out.
You can look at Wigan’s website here for further information.
Wigan Warriors fixtures
Wigan Warriors v Catalans Dragons Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 14/10/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Grand Final – Wigan Warriors v Catalans Dragons – Old Trafford, Manchester, England – Wigan’s captain & coach Liam Farrell & Matt Peet with the Betfred Super League trophy after victory over Catalans. Manchester Old Trafford England Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxAllanxMcKenzie/SWpix.comx SWP-2327-0073
Wigan’s first pre-season game will see them clash with Midlands with a young side set to be named on Saturday for the fixture. The week after on the Friday night, the Warriors will meet Wakefield Trinity in another friendly at Belle Vue in Matty Ashurst’s testimonial game.
Wigan will then clash with Hull FC the week following this in their first meeting against Super League opposition. This game will take place at Hull’s MKM Stadium on Sunday 4th February at 2 pm.
Wigan then start the season away at Castleford Tigers on the 17th February but their round two game against Leigh Leopards has been postponed to allow for the World Club Challenge against Penrith Panthers.
The following week they return to Super League action on March 1st against Huddersfield Giants.
For a look at the full fixtures click here.
