Wigan Warriors reveal Sam Powell’s testimonial shirt and means of distributing following administration issue

Sam Powell and the Wigan Warriors have revealed his specially designed shirt ahead of his 2023 Testimonial Season.

The shirt, which will be worn when Wigan play Salford Red Devils on Sunday 5th February 2023 in Sam’s Testimonial match at the DW Stadium, has been designed by Sam with some details very personal to him and manufactured by Kappa due to the issues with Elite Sports Group not being able to produce these due to administration. Kappa have kindly stood in to assist at very short notice.

It features a round neck with broad cherry and white hoop, similar to the shirt worn in his debut season. It also has an intricate sleeve design with a Poppy, Rose and Lily flower pattern, representing his three daughters and replicating his tattoo.

The main Testimonial partner Pall Mall Carpets’ logo is displayed on the front of the shirt, the sleeve partners are Morris Quality Bakers and Man Scaffolding Services Limited with Bluesky Plumbing Limited and Commhoist on the rear.

The 30-year-old hooker is a one-club man since arriving at the Wigan Academy from Wigan St Patricks ARLFC at the age of 16.

After making his try-scoring debut against Hull FC in 2012, Powell has cemented himself as a regular in the Wigan hooker position.

Winning five major honours so far, Powell made his 250th appearance for the club in Wigan’s final game of 2022.

His honours in a Wigan shirt include two Super League Grand Finals (2016 and 2018), a World Club Challenge (2017) and two League Leaders’ Shields (2012 and 2020).

Powell has also represented England, featuring for the Knights team and most recently the senior side – making his debut against Fiji in a World Cup warm-up match in September this year.

After signing a new two-year deal with Wigan in 2022, which will see him stay at the club at least until the end of 2024, Powell will celebrate his testimonial year in his 11th season as a professional.

On being granted his testimonial year, Powell told the club’s official website: “It’s going to be a special year for me, my family and friends. This will be my 11th season coming up and to spend such a long time at a special Club like Wigan is a real achievement.

“When I signed my last contract, I mentioned how important the Club is to me and my family. I’m very grateful for how supportive Rads and his staff have been.

“I will have a game against Salford on Sunday 5th February at the DW Stadium. To have the game at home is great and I hope all our fans get behind it. It’s going to be a special year.

“I’m very grateful for the committee I’ve got in place. They’ll be the backbone of this year being successful. My first job is to play well for Wigan. I’ll rip in when I get back in pre-season and I’m hoping it will be a very successful year.

“I hope the fans buy into it; I really appreciate the support. I was a fan before I started playing so I know what it’s like. A massive thank you to all my old teammates, staff and coaches – back in my amateur days too. My wife Ria has been on the journey with me. I’m hoping this season is going to be great.”