The 2023 season will go down as one of the best for the Wigan Warriors as they were crowned Super League Champions at Old Trafford.
2022 had been a beacon of optimism for Wigan after a disappointing 2021 as Matt Peet’s first year in charge saw Wigan lift a record 20th Challenge Cup against Huddersfield Giants and finish second in the league.
They were favourites to reach the Grand Final against St Helens but came up short against Leeds Rhinos leaving them extremely motivated for the 2023 season.
The Warriors finished top of the league and went on to storm passed Hull KR in the semi-final to secure their place at Old Trafford where they outplayed Catalans Dragons to win the Super League title after winning the game 10-2 thanks to a Liam Marshall try and three Harry Smith goals.
They have seen some key players like Morgan Smithies leave this winter but have signed some massive names like Luke Thompson and Kruise Leeming.
In their first game of the year, the Warriors travelled to the Midlands Hurricanes as part of their dual registration agreement. The Warriors have also agreed a deal with Wakefield Trinity.
Wigan Warriors win first game of 2024
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 18/02/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 1 – Hull KR v Wigan Warriors – Sewell Group Craven Park, Hull, England – Wigan coach Matt Peet interviewed after his side is defeated by Hull KR.
Wigan claimed the win in their first game of 2024 naming a side full of academy players including the son of former St Helens and Huddersfield Giants star Keith Mason as well as the son of Wigan Warriors legend Sean O’Loughlin George O’Loughlin.
The Warriors travelled over to the Midlands for the game braving the cold. The Hurricanes, led by former Bradford Bulls boss Mark Dunning, stormed 10-0 ahead thanks to a try from winger Jason Bass before a score from Jon-Luke Kirby with Brad Billsborough notching one of the two conversions but by halftime, Wigan had taken a 12-10 lead after tries from Ryan Brown and Taylor Kerr.
The Hurricanes reclaimed the lead through a second try from Bass. But Brown and Kerr both scored again each to fire the Super League Champions in front.
After that, the Hurricanes hit back through prop Sam Bowring and the conversion made it 24-20 but they were unable to come back and win.
