Wigan Warriors forward reflects and promises more to come in 2025

Wigan Warriors won it all in 2024 but there could yet be more to come for 2025 with one young forward forecasting lots of personal improvement.

Whilst Wigan’s first actual trophy was lifted in February when they defeated Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge, the foundations of that victory and their ensuing trophy lifts came during the hard yards of pre-season.

Despite all the plaudits earned in 2024, Matt Peet’s side have undertaken another gruelling pre-season and one of their young stars has spoken on that – even claiming that those from the academy have pushed the side further and brought a “real positive energy”.

Prop forward Harvie Hill played 16 times for the Cherry and Whites in 2024 and the 21-year-old has given an interview with the Wigan Warriors club site about the off-season grind.

“It’s been tough but good,” he confirmed before noting the energy brought by the handful of players even younger than himself.

“We have a strong group here at the minute and all the young lads stepping up from the Academy have brought a real positive energy.”

Wigan Warriors forward tips up personal improvement in 2025

Wigan saw plenty of young academy players step up in 2024, just as Hill did when he debuted at the back end of the 2022 campaign.

Among those youngsters that Matt Peet blooded in 2024 was Jack Farrimond with the young playmaker leading Wigan to six wins during his eight appearances – including a famous one at Magic Weekend when he scored in a Man of the Match performance against rivals St Helens.

Hill noted the influence of those young stars in the pre-season training, explaining: “We’re all pushing each other which is bringing the best out of us, and we’re looking forward to building on what we have when the rest of the squad return in the new year.”

Of course, he is still a youngster himself but with 27 Super League games and a World Club Challenge appearance, in which he scored a try, under his belt – he’s becoming an established figure.

Reflecting on the incredible 2024 campaign, he said: “I’ve had a look back on what was a great achievement as a team. Personally I know I’ve got a lot more improvements in my game which I’m looking forward to showing this season.”

With teachers such as Dream Team prop Luke Thompson and fellow youngsters such as Junior Nsemba taking the Super League by storm, it would be no surprise to see Hill kick on and do the same in 2025.

He would also note just what a special club Wigan Warriors is – something Matt Peet highlighted recently at the Sports Personality of the Year awards – with Hill referencing the off-field pre-season efforts.

Speaking about the team’s visit to Preston’s Royal Hospital as part of the club’s Warriors Together programme, Hill said: “It was an eye-opening but magical experience seeing how we could lift spirits by delivering presents which put a smile on children’s faces despite the difficult time they are going through.

“It showed the importance and benefit the Warriors Together programme has for us as players. It allows us to mix with our community and build connections which is important. That connection can then be used at The Brick Community Stadium which we saw throughout last season.”

Speaking at SPOTY after Wigan Warriors were crowned Team of the Year, head coach Peet has explained: “We look at how we can help out supporters and communities rather than just what we can take from them,” a mantra that youngsters such as Hill have clearly taken on board.