Round 2 vs TRINITY 01-04-21 - Kick Off 6pm at The Official Match Programme Free to Download

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WARRIOROFFICIAL CLUB PARTNERS 2021 We Are Warriors. CLUB HONOURS CONTACT US WINNERS STADIUM ADDRESS 1998, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2018 DW Stadium, Loire Drive, WN5 0UH SUPER LEAGUE GRAND FINALISTS STADIUM TELEPHONE 2000, 2001, 2003, 2014, 2015, 2020 01942 774000 SUPER LEAGUE LEADERS OFFICE ADDRESS 1998, 2000 2010, 2012, 2020 (League Leaders Shield) Robin Park Arena, Loire Drive, Wigan WN5 0UH WINNERS OFFICE TELEPHONE 1987/88, 1991/92, 1993/94, 2017 01942 762888 CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS TICKET OFFICE TELEPHONE 1908/09, 1921/22, 1925/26, 1933/34, 1945/46, 1946/47, 01942 762875 (temporary number, weekdays 10am-4pm) 1949/50, 1951/52, 1959/60, 1986/87, 1989/90, 1990/91, 1991/92, 1992/93, 1993/94, 1994/95, WEBSITE 1995/96 (Centenary Champions) www.wiganwarriors.com PREMIERSHIP TROPHY WINNERS E-MAIL [email protected] 1987, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 TWITTER WINNERS @wiganwarriorsrl 1923/24, 1928/29, 1947/48, 1950/51, 1957/58, 1958/59, FACEBOOK 1964/65, 1984/85, 1987/88, 1988/89, 1989/90, 1990/91, www.facebook.com/wiganwarriorsrl 1991/92, 1992/93, 1993/94, 1994/95, 2002, 2011, 2013 INSTAGRAM CHARITY SHIELD WINNERS @wiganwarriorsrl 1985/86, 1987/88, 1991/92, 1995/96 REGAL TROPHY WINNERS CLUB OFFICIALS 1982/83, 1985/86, 1986/87, 1988/89, 1989/90, 1992/93, CHAIRMAN AND OWNER 1994/95, 1995/96 Ian Lenagan CUP WINNERS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 1905/06, 1908/09, 1909/10, 1912/13, 1922/23, 1928/29, Prof Chris Brookes 1938/39, 1946/47, 1947/48, 1948/49, 1949/50, 1950/51, Winston Higham 1951/52, 1966/67, 1971/72, 1973/74, 1985/86, 1986/87, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 1987/88, 1988/89, 1992/93 Kris Radlinski LANCASHIRE LEAGUE WINNERS FINANCIAL DIRECTOR 1901/02, 1908/09, 1910/11, 1911/12, 1912/13, 1913/14, David Moore 1914/15, 1920/21, 1922/23, 1923/24, 1925/26, 1945/46, HEAD COACH 1946/47, 1949/50, 1951/52, 1958/59, 1961/62, 1969/70 LANCASHIRE WAR LEAGUE WINNERS The Holding Company for Wigan Club Ltd is Lenagan Investments 1940/41 Ltd. whose Shareholders are Simon Lenagan, Adrian Lenagan and Ann Lenagan. WAR EMERGENCY LEAGUE WINNERS 1943/44 CLUB HISTORY LEAGUE LEADERS TROPHY WINNERS 1970/71 YEAR FORMED BBC2 FLOODLIT TROPHY WINNERS 1872 LIMITED COMPANY 1968/69 1921 NISSAN WORLD CLUB SEVENS WINNERS 1991/92 WINNERS MATCH PROGRAMME 1996 Programme Editor: David Kuzio CARNEGIE FLOODLIT 9’S WINNERS Programme Writers: David Kuzio, Phil Wilkinson, Tom 2010 Bramwell, Charlotte Fletcher & Ryan Kuzio. WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE WINNERS Photography: Bernard Platt (official club photographer), 2018 Dave Howarth & Sean Gosling. SW PIX & VPA (Super BBC SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR League Photographers). 1994 All rights reserved: No part of this publication may be reproduced in any way or by any means without the KENNY-STERLING SHIELD WINNERS permission of the club. 2018 WARRIOR - 03 CHAIRMAN Good evening and welcome to tonight’s game against After a great start, perhaps we can get back to praising our . game rather than continuing the self-flagellation which only I would like to send my best wishes to Robert Elstone who rugby league seems capable of. A closer look at other left his role as executive chairman of Super League at the sports and their distress on the field and off, as reported start of March, a job he filled for almost three years. His particularly in The Times on Wednesday, might bring us passion for rugby league has always been clear and I thank back to reality and self-pride in our game and in Super him for his hard work and commitment to the success of League. Super League. The gutsy victory over Leigh was overshadowed by the I would also like to pay tribute to Dr Chris Brookes who is hamstring injury to debutant which sees him ruled celebrating his out of action for 25th year “Last week’s start was a gritty beginning five months. working in We are delighted to rugby league. to the new season with a tight Wigan win welcome Jackson Chris has been Hastings and an invaluable against local rivals, . ” back member of the into the Wigan Wigan club since 2007, looking after the wellbeing of the camp after their delayed arrival from . With Covid- first team squad as chief medical officer. It has been a 19 lockdown and closure of Robin Park Arena due to a pleasure working alongside Chris since I took over at Wigan Covid outbreak in February, we felt it right to allow them and I would like to thank him for his outstanding work and both to follow tailored training programmes whilst spending contribution to the sport and to . Long may time with their families Down Under. I look forward to seeing his time continue working within rugby league and for them both back on the field very soon. Wigan. Finally, I would like to welcome our friends from Wakefield, Last week’s start was a gritty beginning to the new season Michael Carter and John Minards, to our unusual ‘home with a tight Wigan win against local rivals, Leigh Centurions. venue’ of the Totally Wicked Stadium for what should be Round 1 is always a great occasion but still strange to see another tough game. no spectators in the stands. It was a game for the neutral and for Leigh in much of the game, but it provided good Ian Lenagan, spectator excitement on television, as did some exciting Chairman - Wigan Warriors games over a weekend of rugby league. WARRIOR - 05 ADRIAN LAM Looking back on the Leigh game, how do you reflect on it for five months plus. It’s sad news for the club, Jai and his now? family and we’ve just got to make sure we get around him and Obviously, we all wanted to play well, and I guess every club help him through this process. It’ll go fast and he’ll be back in Super League wants that first round to be a great soon enough. performance but the reality of it is – it hardly ever happens. I thought we were very patchy throughout the whole game. We Have you got more options this week? Does Jackson made a lot of errors compounded with the fact we had to do a Hastings come back into the mix? fair bit of defence. We put ourselves under pressure at the Yes, we will take him into consideration. He’s ready to go. He start of the game, but the great part about it and what makes adds a different dimension to us. Wakefield are a good side me most proud about the performance is that we found a way and we’ve got our hands full, so the more senior players to win throughout all of those circumstances. coming back into our team the better.

Do you have to allow for players being out of position and Another boost on the horizon with Bevan French being getting used to that, which was further compounded with back in the country… the loss of Jai Field? It’s the same process with Bevan as it was with Jackson. We Yes, that’s exactly what happens. When you’re playing have to make sure he fits back in training-wise and is back someone out of position and there were three or four players around the team for a certain amount of time. We have to out of position themselves and then you lose a winger – it’s make sure he is ready to play welfare-wise, get all his testing difficult for the whole team. It turns your substitutions into done and then he’ll be good to go. It’s great he’s back in the chaos, and it takes a little while to get it right. I thought we country now. rallied really well, and we had a resilience – we kept our composure. We went in at half-time, had a good chat, came Wakefield up next, what did you learn about them at the back out and we dominated the second half. weekend? Wakefield played some great rugby against . They are a What is the update on Jai Field? club that have recruited quite heavily and really well. They look Sadly, we’ve got the news that it’s as worse as it gets. He’s fit, they look strong and they’re playing an attacking brand of had a complete tear of the hamstring and he’s going to be out rugby, so there’s a fair bit of challenge for us to defend that.

WARRIOR - 07 Editor’s Comment.

PROGRAMME EDITOR DAVE KUZIO IS DELIGHTED TO BE BACK AND EVEN THOUGH HE IS NOT A FAN OF CHOPPING AND CHANGING THE RULES, HE BELIEVES THERE SHOULD BE ONE MAJOR ALTERATION TO THIS GREAT GAME. First of all, how good is it to be back? I won’t dwell on the I think the rule should be changed that both teams get a point final game of last season, as I know I am not the only for taking the game to Golden Point and then an extra point is person associated with this great club to have not given to the winner. The match winner will then be rewarded watched the Grand Final back again. Just thinking about it with two points, while the loser gets a point for their efforts. brings me out in a hot sweat, so that is the end of the Before people say it won’t work, it actually already does in matter. . In the Papa John’s EFL Trophy, they brought in a rule It was great to see Super League last weekend, and it looks in the group phase that if the game is level after 90- minutes, like Wigan will continue to give us some heart skipping both teams will receive a point and then a penalty shootout moments once again. The comeback against Leigh was great will take place to see who gets the extra point. I think it’s a to watch, the only way it would have been any better, would fair way of doing it, but I don’t expect the powers-that-be to be if there had been fans inside the ground to witness it. change anything just yet. Right, I waffled on enough. Now to my main point. I am not a As I was producing the content for this programme we had fan of constantly changing the rules, but something has to be the third round draw of the Challenge Cup. As you all know, done about Golden Point. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a Wigan were drawn against York Knights, and as soon as dinosaur who thinks it should be scrapped. I just believe a I saw the draw, I have to admit I was very disappointed. Don’t small amendment needs to be made. get me wrong, I wasn’t disappointed at the calibre of I am in favour of the Golden Point, but I find it harsh that the opponent, I was upset that we won’t be able to attend. Can loser ends up with nothing. For example, no one can deny you imagine a few thousand Wiganers descending on York that deserved at least a point for the for the weekend, plus we would have got to visit a new way they performed on Saturday against . stadium as well. It’s just a shame that York will not get the pay To fight back from 28-4 down, to level it up at 28-28 and take day they deserve. it to extra-time was brilliant. But, unfortunately for the Robins, Hopefully, we will all still abide by the rules and we’ll be back it counted for nothing as James Maloney slotted over a watching the boys live and in person very soon. In the Golden Point drop goal to secure maximum points for the meantime, please all take care of each other. Dragons. Enjoy the game.

James Maloney’s Golden Point drop goal secured the win for the Dragons. WARRIOR - 09 Warriors Newsdesk. LEULUAI NAMED FRINGE PLAYERS NEW WIGAN CAPTAIN. HEAD OUT ON . During the off-season, Wigan Warriors coach Adrian Wigan Warriors have sent out both and Chris Lam announced that his new captain would be Thomas Hankinson on loan to the Betfred Championship for the Leuluai following the retirement of club legend Sean season in order to gain valuable first-team experience. O’Loughlin. Bourouh, who joined the Warriors scholarship in Leuluai is one of the most decorated players in the game, 2015, played three games for the first team last having won seven major honours with Wigan, including season, and assistant coach Matt Peet believes the twice, World Club this is a good move for the 20-year-old. Challenge, Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield Peet said: “We feel this is the perfect three times. opportunity for Amir to develop his game and After playing 303 games for the Warriors, scrum half allow us to monitor his performances. Halifax are Leuluai will be the most experienced player in the 2021 a very professional organisation with a smart coach in Simon first team squad as he heads into his 11th year with the Grix. Amir is from Halifax and is excited to represent his local Club. The former World Cup winner signed a new one- club.” year extension at the end of last year to remain with the Goalkicking centre Hankinson has signed a Club for the 2021 campaign. year-long deal with former Super League outfit With O’Loughlin hanging up his boots at the end of 2020, Broncos. the Club invested significant time and consideration in Hankinson has played 23 games for the selecting his replacement. Warriors since his emergency signing back in On being named captain, Leuluai said: “It’s something I’ve 2018, scoring three tries and kicking 19 goals. never really chased or thought about, but at this stage of Executive Director Kris Radlinski said: “Chris my career I understand the responsibility that goes along was an unsung hero in 2020. He was the 19th man in near with it. I’m really privileged and honoured to be able to do enough every game in the season. At the end of the season, the job. Chris came to me and said that at his age he needed to be “Ian (Lenegan), Kris (Radlinski) and Adrian (Lam) spoke playing regularly. With no reserve grade and the cancelation of to me about it, and I understand the duty that goes with it. dual registration, we needed to explore other opportunities for With my age and my experience, I’m really happy to fulfil Chris. the role for them. I won’t really change too much in what “He will have a year in the capital and then return to Wigan in I’ve been doing and how I go about my stuff. 2022. He will be a great addition to Danny Ward’s London “Sean (O’Loughlin) has been my captain for the majority Broncos team.” of my career. I feel lucky to have had him as my captain - I learned so much off him in WARRIORS SECURE PARTNERSHIP the way he leads and the way he is WITH ASSURED SCREENING. as a person. I’ll Wigan have announced a be trying to partnership with Assured mirror what he Screening who will become the has done.” club’s official Covid-19 Testing Partner for the 2021 season. With private test centres and drop boxes across the UK, AssuredScreening.com provides high accuracy, same day Covid-19 testing for home, work and travel. All testing is undertaken at long-established pharmaceutical-grade laboratories by Assured Screening’s bio- medical science team based in Barnard Castle. As part of the agreement, Assured Screening will provide twice weekly PCR testing for the first team players and support staff to facilitate the safe continuation of training and matches. Assured Screening will benefit from having its logo on the front left leg of the team’s playing shorts across first team, Women’s team and Academy. WARRIOR - 11 The Full Eighty.

BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE ROUND ONE FRIDAY 26th MARCH 2021 AT THE EMERALD STADIUM

John Bateman charges through the Leigh defence. Zak Hardaker puts under pressure. A disappointed Jai Field is withdrawn from the action.

LEIGH CENTURIONS 18 WIGAN WARRIORS 20 Wigan avoided a shock opening day defeat at the hands of local rivals Leigh Centurions with a superb comeback, although it wasn’t all good news as new signing Jai Field was led from the field with a hamstring injury. The newly-promoted Centurions got off to a dream start with forcing his way over from close range, with former Giants and star Ryan Brierley adding the extras. Joe Bullock sprints for the line. Just before the 20-minute mark, Field attempted to make a break from his own half, but he pulled up and fell awkwardly and was helped from the field. Coach Adrian Lam later revealed the former star could be missing for six weeks. Things got worse for the Warriors as former Wigan centre braces for impact. Iain Thornley capitalised on an error from John Bateman to score, before Hood made a break up the middle before LEIGH CENTURIONS sending a kick through for Ben Hallewell to race onto and Ryan Brierley, Lewis Tierney, Keanan Brand, Iain Thornley, score. Both tries were converted, and Leigh led 18-0. Matty Russell, , , Mark Ioane, Liam Wigan needed to score before the break, and they managed Hood, Adam Sidlow, Ben Hellewell, Matty Gee, Jordan to do it twice to get back into the game. First, Jake Bibby looks for his runners. Thompson. took advantage from good work from Bateman and , INTERCHANGES before Bibby turned to provider moments later as he broke Nathaniel Peteru, , , Matty Foster. through and found the supporting Zak Hardaker on his TRIES: Hood (5′), Thornley (24′), Hallewell (26′) shoulder to race over. Hardaker was unable to convert either GOALS: Brierley (3/3) , so Wigan trailed 18-8 at half time. Wigan were the better team in the second half, as they piled WIGAN WARRIORS the pressure on the Centurions. They managed to break Zak Hardaker, Jai Field, Willie Isa, Jake Bibby, Umyla Hanley, down some resolute defence in the 63rd minute when Harry , Harry Smith, , Sam Powell, Smith put the rampaging Joe Bullock through a gap and the Joe Bullock, John Bateman, , . prop went over. INTERCHANGES The try of the game came three minutes later and it ended up , Liam Byrne, Joe Shorrocks, Morgan Smithies. being the matchwinner. Hardaker picked up a kick deep in his TRIES: Bibby (36′, 66′), Hardaker (39′), Bullock (63′) own half and made a break up the middle, he kept his GOALS: Hardaker (2/4) composure and held up the Leigh full-back before passing to Bibby to grab his second of the game and seal the points for REFEREE: Lam’s men. Skipper Tommy Leuluai fronts up to Jordan Thompson. Try time for Jake Bibby. 12 - WARRIOR WARRIOR - 13 Super League is back.

TOM BRAMWELL OF THE MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS REFLECTS ON ROUND ONE

After the longest off-season break I can remember, it felt challenge with the key players missing from the Warriors’ incredible to finally have Super League back last matchday squad and losing Jai Field within the first quarter weekend. could have proved fatal for other teams. I’ll be totally honest, I wasn’t convinced by a But the team composed themselves superbly in the Wigan versus Leigh opening round fixture. That second half and achieved the only thing that was really would have been one of those I’d have tried to important in the end - getting the two competition hold back for when the fans are permitted points. once more. Really try to build on the ‘Battle of Performances will obviously improve as the star men the Borough’ feeling that both clubs have return to the lineup. is being coveted done really well to perpetuate in pre-season by NRL teams for a reason, Bevan French proved over the last few years. he’s one of the competition's most devastating And I have to admit, I didn’t think Leigh attacking threats last season and in Dom could be ready to provide much of a Manfredi and , there are contest. The nature of their two wingers who will be vying for elevation to the topflight and the selection for ’s World fact so much recruitment had Cup Squad at the end of the year. to be done in so little time - With those among the and when a lot of players absentees, it was never going had already secured to be the Warriors at their their futures for 2021 - absolute best, but on a left me more worried weekend where St Helens about the Centurions and Leeds both won, all than when they that really matters is that were last in Super there are two points on the League a couple board. of years ago. Other than that, the key aspect Not for the first for me was seeing John Bateman time, I was well back in cherry and white. He’ll have wrong. John better games - the spell at centre in Duffy the injury reshuffle didn’t help in that proved he regard - but it was just fantastic to was a have him back in Super League. great up- He’s an out and out superstar of the and-coming game and I know there’s still some coach with Swinton, and it looks debate about whether loose like, despite the challenges the forward is ultimately going to be club have faced in getting ready his best position but seeing him in for the season ahead, he will that 13 shirt just felt right. With have his side up for the battle and Sean week in, week out. O’Loughlin the only Super In my opinion, that’s the key League incumbents before takeaway from that round one clash - him, it’s some legacy he’s just how impressive Leigh were. And got to live up to, but he’s yet despite that, Wigan did enough to never been one to back get the win. John Bateman… down to a challenge, It was always going to be a tough fantastic to have him back. has he?

In association with CAR CENTRE WIGAN

WARRIOR - 15 On this day. 1st April 1987.

Another search through the archives threw up a convincing win for Wigan back on 1st April in 1987 as they ran in eight tries in a 42- 2 hammering of Halifax in the Stones Bitter Championship. This was the 25th game of the 30-round campaign, and the victory saw Wigan extend their lead at the top of the league ladder to nine points following St Helens’ defeat to Castleford. That defeat for Saints ensured that Wigan would only need to win one of their remaining five league matches to be crowned Stones Bitter Championship champions. On that day, loose forward managed to grab a hat-trick of tries to take his season tally to 50, while scored two of his own with Henderson Gill and Andy Goodway also scoring. also crossed for a try and kicked five goals after Wigan scored 30 unanswered points in the second half at .

THE WIGAN TEAM THAT DAY: , , David Stephenson, , Henderson Gill, Shaun Edwards, , Brian Case, Nicky Kiss, Shaun Wane, Ian Potter, Andy Goodway, Ellery Hanley.

ALSO ON 1st APRIL 1987 Number One Single: Lean on Me – Club Nouveau

Number One Album Licensed to III – Beastie Boys

Boxing’s Heavyweight Champions of the World Mike Tyson WBA, WBC, Michael Spinks IBF

Football First Division Champions 1986-87 Everton

Price of a pint of lager 92p Hat-trick for Ellery against Halifax. WARRIOR - 17 The Full Eighty.

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY SUNDAY 14th MARCH 2021 AT THE AJ BELL STADIUM

Liam Byrne does the hard yards.

Try time for Sam Powell. RED DEVILS 20 WIGAN WARRIORS 6

Wigan’s trip to Salford was their only pre-season friendly ahead of the 2021 Betfred Super League season, and although it ended in defeat coach Adrian Lam admitted he got out of it what he had intended. Not many people take too much notice of pre-season results as it is all about match fitness and allowing new signings to get used to their new surroundings. Morgan Smithies one to one with Ryan Lannon. With no fans allowed at the match, Wigan TV viewers were able to watch all the action unfold as they witnessed John Bateman make his second debut for the club following his Morgan Escare, , , , two-year spell with NRL side . , Tui Lolohea, Kevin Brown, Jack Ormondroyd, It was Salford who scored the opening points, as former , , Ryan Lannon, Pauli centre Kallum Watkins pounced on a loose Pauli, Danny Addy. ball in less than flattering conditions before kicking ahead INTERCHANGES and touching down. Brad Singleton squares up to man mountain Pauli Pauli. , Matty Costello, Josh Johnson, Harvey Livett, Krisnan Inu converted to make it 6-0. , , Jack Wells, Rhys Williams, It didn’t take too long for the Warriors to get back on level James Greenwood. terms. Hooker Sam Powell went in under the posts from TRIES: Watkins (21’), Sio (31’), Escare (64’), Inu (76’) dummy half with Zak Hardaker tagging on the extras. GOALS: Inu (2/4) That was as good as it got for Wigan, as Salford went back up the other hand and went back in front as Ken Sio WIGAN WARRIORS managed to ground the ball following a grubber kick from Zak Hardaker, Umyla Hanley, Willie Isa, James McDonnell, Tui Lolohea, Inu again converted as Salford led 12-6 at half Jake Bibby, Tommy Leuluai, Harry Smith, Ollie Partington, time. Sam Powell, Brad Singleton, John Bateman, Liam Farrell, Lam made a number of changes throughout the game with Ethan Havard. Mitch Clark, , Sam Halsall, Alex Sutton, Ben INTERCHANGES Kilner, Matty Nicholson, Brad O’Neill and Aiden Roden Joe Bullock, Liam Byrne, Mitch Clark, Tony Clubb, Sam gaining some valuable minutes. Halsall, Alex Sutton, Ben Kilner, Matty Nicholson, Brad The Red Devils made the scoreline more convincing in the O’Neill, Aiden Roden, Joe Shorrocks, Morgan Smithies. final quarter with former Wigan full-back Morgan Escare TRY: Powell (27′) crossing over in the corner, while Inu completed the scoring GOALS: Hardaker (1/1) in the 76th minute with Inu scoring their fourth try. REFEREE: Chris Kendall Harry Smith gets his kick away despite pressure from Andy Ackers. Ethan Havard bursts through the tackle. 18 - WARRIOR WARRIOR - 19 Warriors Women.

WOMEN RETURN TO FACE WOLVES IN SEASON OPENER.

After seeing last season’s competition put on hold finals taking place at the Emerald on thanks to Covid-19, the Betfred Women’s Super Sunday 10th October. League will return for the 2021 campaign, with Thomas Brindle, Betfred Women’s Super League General matches being shown live online. Manager, said: “During the last week we have unveiled the The Warriors, who will be coached by Kris Ratcliffe, get National Lottery as a new commercial partner to the RFL their campaign underway on Sunday, April 18 against and in particular Women’s and Girls’ Rugby League, Super League newcomers Wolves at Victoria we’ve published a new report demonstrating the Park in Warrington. significant social impacts of Women’s and Girls’ Rugby League – These Girls Can – and we’ve announced that Wigan’s only regular season game against fierce rivals October’s Grand Final will be broadcast live on Sky St Helens will be away from home on Sunday, June 13, Sports. while their weekly campaign will come to an end at home “Now, I’m pleased to announce that via Twitch we’ll be to Wakefield Trinity on Sunday, July 25. showing live action from the Betfred Women’s Super There will be 10 rounds of fixtures during the regular League every week of the regular season, with match season, with clubs playing each other once before the top coverage repeated later the same week on Our League. four breaks away to take part in a play-off series with a We had a really encouraging response when we showed Grand Final place at stake. some games on Twitch in 2019 – it takes us to a new, The remaining six teams will compete for places in the final younger audience, with 15m daily active users and 76% of of the Betfred Women’s Super League Shield, with both viewers aged 18-49.”

WARRIOR - 21 25 years and counting. WE ALWAYS LIKE TO DELVE INTO THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PLAYERS AND SEE WHAT INTERESTS THEM, BUT FOR THE FIRST EDITION OF THE SEASON WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOOK AT THE ROLE OF ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE INVOLVED AT WIGAN WARRIORS – DR CHRIS BROOKES. Dr Brookes has been involved in rugby league for 25 Who was behind your initial arrival at the club and how did years. He combines his role with looking after the the offer come about? wellbeing of the Warriors squad with his role as chief I was fortunate enough to be appointed by Joe Lydon to the medical officer and deputy chief executive at Salford post of Great Britain Academy doctor in 1998. Almost every Royal Hospital, he also continues to practice as a senior player in that team went on to have a top-level career with consultant in the A&E department at Salford. many such as , Stuart Fielden, Jamie Jones- Over the next few pages, Dr Brookes explains how he got Buchanan, , , and involved in the sport and what role he plays once the game Garreth Carvell all going on to represent Great Britain at kicks off. senior level. This stood me in good stead to become the Great Britain senior doctor myself and worked with David Please tell us how you arrived in the wonderful sport of Waite and Brian Noble after my appointment in 2001. Rugby League? Brian invited me to join , which I did in 2003 and then moved with him to Wigan in 2007. I had many friends at I had always been interested in rugby league and in my work the Bulls, yet the opportunity to take over from Wigan club in facial surgery, I met many of the players who had suffered legend Doc Zaman who had mentored me earlier in my injury. My first contact with Wigan was in 1989 when Shaun career was too good an opportunity to turn down. Wane suffered a horrific broken jaw and I witnessed first- hand his incredible bravery as he courageously dealt with this How has the role changed between the early years when serious fracture and his subsequent recovery. Super League was in its infancy compared to the Later in 1996, I was working at the Royal Preston protocols and standard practice of today? Hospital and a colleague asked whether I would be When I first started in Super League, Salford Reds did not interested in providing medical cover for Chorley have a full time physio and it was very much a case of ‘all Academy - true grass roots sport at the hands to the pump’. I even used to train with the players unfortunately named ‘Victory Park’. Working with (Rads will groan at this point!) and remember being told off by Chorley was great fun, yet I can’t remember Andy Gregory for not keeping up with my group during pre- too many victories! season hill training in Buile Hill Park! My early experiences , the head coach at the time though shaped me as a sports doctor and gave me a recommended me to Salford who were priceless insight into professional sport. The specialist advice looking for an additional doctor to join their and treatment available today has revolutionised the game team as they had just been promoted to and hugely increased the longevity of players careers as a Super League. 1997 was my first year consequence. with Salford Reds coached by Wigan legend Andy Gregory. I hardly spoke What have been the biggest medical challenges that you have had to overcome during your time in this role when I first arrived, yet Greg and ex (thinking more generally about the sport’s Wigan players Steve Blakely and policies/procedures as a whole rather than specific took me under their wing individual cases, unless there were particular players who and showed me the ropes honed too faced significant issues and would be ok with you talking by midweek ‘A’ team games. about them)? I certainly gained much experience Ensuring the mental health of the players has been a being involved with matches such significant challenge. The pressures of professional sport are as away on enormous and mental health ‘fitness’ has become as a Wednesday night! Not for the important as the physical conditioning in enabling the players faint hearted! I still remember a to perform to the peak of their capabilities. teenage Paul Johnson scoring The attention now paid to player welfare is hugely important four tries in 20 minutes for and the outstanding work of Sporting Chance in this regard Wigan A v Salford at the has been a welcome addition to the care available to the Willows! players. Rugby league is at the cutting edge of these continued overleaf

22 - WARRIOR WARRIOR - 23 Dr. Brookes treats Tom Davies after his horrific injury in April 2019 developments and the game should be rightly proud of the Our sport has undergone a significant conversion in its mind attention now being paid to mental health and player welfare. set regarding head trauma and I am proud to have played a Just a brief mention of players over the years who suffered part in leading this change. Brain health is now taken significant injury, Paul Deacon, Michael McIlorum, Blake seriously, and I hope this increases the confidence of players Green, Liam Farrell, Thomas Davies, and Tony – and their families - that this is uppermost in the minds of all Clubb. I am proud to have played a small part in you all involved in the sport. I would wish to emphasise the retuning to successfully play again. unequivocal support I have received from Ralph Rimmer and his senior leadership team at the RFL in driving this approach. You were interviewed last summer about the return to competitive action following the first lockdown and the Are there further modifications to medical protocol that huge medical issues that the sport has had to contend you’re keen to try and introduce to the game in this with due to Covid-19. How satisfied are you with what the county to ensure the long-term safety of the sport or are game has managed to achieve so far since its return, and you satisfied with the current standards that you and your can you foresee the pandemic having longer lasting fellow medical professionals in the game have helped to implications for the game and possible tweaks to set? rules/standard practice/etc? I am keen to work with other experts in the disciplines of Everyone within Rugby league deserves enormous credit for conditioning, exercise physiology and biomechanics to gain the manner in which the game pulled together to enable return to play. The Covid-19 protocols are both necessary greater understanding about the overall physical load on and time consuming, yet the universal acceptance of these players involved in the professional game. Coaching, training and the realisation of the privilege afforded to the Super and analysis has evolved exponentially and making maximum League players to be able to resume training and then playing use of the available sports science to effectively tailor the was recognised by all. preparation and the overall burden on the players is a place I I witnessed great camaraderie within the game and am want to focus further research. This will ensure we have the delighted that colleagues in the Championship and League 1 best evidence to recommend protocols going forward. are now returning too. I am confident that the roll out of the vaccine will turn the tide, yet there will be the need for on- Do you believe that the very nature of rugby league going vigilance around Covid for the foreseeable future with potentially makes it one of the most testing sports for any the need for everyone to follow the government advice of medical team to oversee? ‘hands, face, space’. Let us all hope that our fantastic fans That is the professional attraction for me. Rugby league is the can return to stadiums soon too. most physically demanding of sports, yet the togetherness and camaraderie make it second to none. How proud are you of the progression that you have helped to push within the sport, in particular with regards Your roles within rugby league alone seem like enough to to the now well-established concussion protocols (and prove hugely time consuming for one individual, coupled what do you hope will be the longer-term outcomes for with your day-to-day commitments within the NHS, is it players as a result of those changes)? fair to assume that you’ve chosen an all-consuming The welfare of the players is critically important to me. Rugby vocation? league has been at the forefront of acting on the evidence I am and always have been intensely proud to be a doctor. around head trauma and establishing protocols for ensuring, This privilege has shaped my life for the last 40 years and not just safety, yet also optimum treatment. hopefully always will. continued overleaf WARRIOR - 25 How has your involvement within rugby league helped to had sustained in a typically brave tackle. Many fans ask me shape your professional career? what I am saying to the players as they leave the field in such As Rads will explain in detail, I know nothing about the circumstances. In Dominic’s case it is widely known he is not technical side of rugby league! Yet what the game has taught a fan of injections, yet on this occasion I let him know in no me about is leadership and its importance. I have learned so uncertain terms that he would have to ‘just get on with it’ as I much from those great Wigan captains I have worked with, would not be able to stop the bleeding without local Andrew Farrell and Sean O’Loughlin and also from all the anaesthetic and stitches. coaches I have been proud to serve, Brian Noble, Michael Fair play, this is what happened and as he also passed his McGuire, Shaun Wane and most recently Adrian Lam. HIA and was able to return to the field. The rest is history! All of them had different styles, yet I have transferred what I Finally, the Super League Grand Final from 2020 where the learned from them and their leadership into my work in the team gave everything yet came up second best on the night. I NHS and never has this been more necessary than during the have never been prouder as to how the players and staff recent pandemic when the service was stretched to the limit. conducted themselves in disappointment clearly displaying the ethos and values of our wonderful club What are your fondest memories of your quarter century at Wigan so far, both in terms of the Are there any current or past members of the medical occasions/achievements and also the individuals you’ve team at the club that you’d like to highlight for praise in enjoyed working with most closely? light of dedication to the cause, achievements, unsung I would like to mention four games from my time with the hero status, etc? Warriors. All for very different reasons. The first was against I have been fortunate to be blessed with wonderful, dedicated early in the 2009 season. The Bulls, were at staff. Becky, Joanne, Blakers and recently Jack, Chezza, that time, still considered to be one of the elite Super League Emma, Phil and Angela. Doc Dave was a great support and teams. Yet this game was the full Super League debut of Sam true friend for a decade together while Manu Patel was an Tomkins and the pivotal part he played in the victory. unsung hero, always there to help. Even I recognised the extraordinary talent of Sam (‘keep in Can I also thank George and Roy for repurposing my your lane Doc’ - Rads’ favourite expression!) borne out by his favourite bench jacket for the last 10 years, Bitaz for putting meteoric rise to be the full back in that season’s up with me and buying into the welfare of the players and Four Nations Final! most of all the fans and our owner Ian who have always The second game was away against Leeds Rhinos in the supported me so strongly even when things have not always elimination Super League semi-final in 2010, with the gone to plan. Finally, all those players who make our game so momentous victory being put into perspective by the special and who put their bodies ‘on the line’ every week. devastating news of my great friend ’s death that day. We all miss him so much and I will always be You are a passionate Rugby League man. What is your grateful for his friendship over the years we worked together. hope for the next 25 years for the sport? The third game was Shaun Wane’s last game as our head Here is hoping that our wonderful sport gains the recognition coach, the Super League Grand Final in 2018. We all wanted it deserves. Lockdown sport has shown the quality of the to give Shaun the send-off his fantastic contribution deserved, product, the consummate skill involved and the commitment, which thankfully finally happened when dedication and fitness of the players. England winning the scored the match clinching try. A few minutes earlier, I had to World Cup this year will transform the way rugby league is remove him from the field to deal with the facial wound he viewed by the media and sports fans alike. 

Dr. Brookes congratulates Sean O’Loughlin after England’s victory over France in 2012. WARRIOR - 27 In opposition

Wakefield Trinity. DAVID KUZIO WRITES.

Even before a ball had been THE SEASON SO FAR. kicked in the 2021 Betfred This is only round two, so it is very difficult to fully assess THE COACH Super League season, Wakefield Wakefield’s form. What we do know is that they have CHRIS CHESTER. Trinity were named amongst the some quality in their back line and the halves that will favourites to be relegated to the trouble a lot of defences in 2021. Chris Chester came under increase Championship. They might have been beaten 28-22 by Leeds Rhinos last pressure last season when an article That would be the ideal team-talk weekend, but they showed enough heart and effort that will suggested that he had lost the dressing for Chris Chester and his men, if see them hard to beat in most weeks. room, Chester and his players denied the people are already writing them off was in sensational form for Trinity, he scored claims and proved it by going out and then they can go out and play two length of the field tries at Headingley, with Innes Senior beating just days without fear and upset a few of the so-called big clubs. and Matty Ashurst also getting on the score sheet. after the story broke. Personally, I think Wakefield’s squad is too strong to be Wakefield led 16-4 at one stage before trailing 22-16 at the Chester is not the kind of man to listen to gossip, but this embroiled in a relegation battle, and if they manage to keep break. Johnstone’s second try saw them level the score at hurt him, and he went on to prove he is capable of being a all their key players fit, then they could be a dark horse for a 22-22 with 25 minutes remaining, but a try from Jack top coach by allowing his players to go out and express top six place. Broadbent and a penalty from secured the win themselves. for the Rhinos. I have already mentioned that if Wakefield keep all their stars fit, then they could be a force. I genuinely believe that. Selecting the same team week in week out will breed confidence, and with all his weapons at his disposal, Chester will work wonders with them.

FAMILIAR FACE WITH A DIFFERENT CLUB. I started a feature last season to focus on former Wigan players that are now on the books on tonight’s opponents. We all know that head coach Chris Chester is a former Warriors player, but the focus this week is on Ryan Hampshire. Hampshire was seen as the future at Wigan along with George Williams, but he could never hold down a starting position. With Shaun Wane playing him in a range of different positions, he was unable to showcase his talents and fulfil his true potential. He then left Wigan to join home-town club Wakefield and he looks settled with Chester getting the best out of him. Every former player wants to do well against their old club, and Hampshire will be no different. Wigan will be wary of his step and go, he loves to break through defences and offload to his supporting players. Last season, he ended up with six try assists, and he will be eager to claim a few more this evening.

28 - WARRIOR Innes Senior crashes over for his try against Leeds Rhinos last weekend. WARRIOR - 29 KEY PLAYERS. ABOUT WAKEFIELD TRINITY. When you look through the Wakefield CLUB RECORDS Trinity squad, one player immediately Highest Score For stands out above the rest. 90-12 vs Highfield - 17/10/1992 Highest Score Against That player is Tom Johnstone. This kid can finish, his acrobatic skills are amazing to 0-86 vs Castleford - 17/04/1995 Record Attendance watch, but he is much more than that. Before the Leeds game he had said he 30,676 vs Huddersfield - 26/02/1921 would like to score more long range tries, MATCH RECORDS and he did just that as he raced the length of the field on two Tries occasions. If Wigan give him any space on the outside, then they could be in extreme trouble. 7 - Fred Smith vs - 25/04/1959, The key to a successful team is a quality half-back 7 - Keith Slater vs - 06/02/1971 Goals combination, and in Jacob Miller and , I fully believe Trinity have the two players to keep them away from 13 - Mark Conway vs Highfield - 27/10/1992 Points trouble on the league ladder. Miller always gives 100% and will do the hard yards if needed, he now has Lino in there to 36 - Jamie Rooney vs Chorley - 27/02/2004 organise matters and after a while they will have a strong SEASON RECORDS connection. Tries In the pack, David Fifita will cause problems every time he has the ball in his hand. We all remember him racing down 38 - Fred Smith - 1959-60, 38 - David Smith - 1973-74 Goals the touchline at Wakefield in 2019. His strong running – Jacob Miller. coupled with his offloads – could cause Wigan problems if 163 - - 1961-62 Points they get off to a slow start, The Warriors will need to contain him early on. 407 - Neil Fox - 1961-62 Fifita will be backed up by Matty Ashurst and CAREER RECORDS in the pack, with both of them very dangerous close to the Tries line. Wigan will need to watch out for them running lines on the edges. Trinity also have who will probably 272 - Neil Fox - 1956-74 Goals come off the bench, he will be an asset from dummy half, and Wigan will need to make sure their defensive line is set to 1,836 - Neil Fox - 1956-74 Points thwart his attacks. 4,488 - Neil Fox - 1956-74 Mason Lino. Appearances 605 - Harry Wilkinson - 1930-49

WAKEFIELD SUPER LEAGUE STATS 2020 Carries Kelepi Tanginoa 258, Reece Lyne 230, 221 Offloads 27, Reece Lyne 20, David Fifita 15 Metres Reece Lyne 1977, Kelepi Tanginoa 1901, Bill Tupou 1693 Tackles 480, Kelepi Tanginoa 479, Joe Westerman 474 Try Assists Matty Ashurst. Reece Lyne 8, Jacob Miller 7, Ryan Hampshire 6 Marker Tackles Tinirau Arona 92, Joe Westerman 83, Kyle Wood 80

2020 KEY DATES 19th August 2020: Innes Senior joins on loan from Huddersfield 11th September 2020: Prop Eddie Battye joins on loan from 22nd October 2020: Wakefield ended a 10-game losing streak by beating Huddersfield 18-14 25th October 2020: Ben Jones-Bishop scored a hat-trick in 48-18 over Hull KR 29th October 2020: Max Jowitt scores three tries in 30-6 win over Leeds Rhinos 13th November 2020: Kelepi Tanginoa signs new contract until 2024 25th November 2020: Wakefield sign Mason Lino from NRL side

30 - WARRIOR Tom Johnstone. David Fifita. WARRIOR - 31 David Fifita. Wigan Warriors 60-12 Wakefield Trinity Super 8s 2016. The tension around the DW Stadium before kick-off on Friday evening was highly noticeable as all eyes were on Wigan to see if they would bounce back from their Challenge Cup semi-final heartache. They did just that and in some style too. The fans demanded a more attacking performance and they certainly responded as they crossed for 11 tries in total in what was their most dominant display of the season. It took the Warriors just five minutes to get the ball rolling with George Williams going over, further tries from Sam Powell and saw Wigan race into a 16-0 lead after 15 minutes. and traded scores before John Bateman and Oliver Gildart scored late tries to lead 30- 6. The Warriors refused to take their foot off the pedal as they ran in a further five tries as Williams and Tomkins added to their first-half scores, while Dom Manfredi, Dan Sarginson and Matty Smith also got in on the act. Dom Manfredi - ‘in on the act’.

Wigan Warriors 30-42 Wakefield Trinity Round 16 2017. Wakefield Trinity clawed back a 20-point deficit to produce a famous and thrilling come from behind win against Betfred Super League champions Wigan Warriors. The Warriors made a superb start to this one as George BEST BATTLES Williams controlled proceedings for the first 20 minutes and OVER THE YEARS, WIGAN AND had a hand in all four of Wigan’s tries as they sailed into a 20- WAKEFIELD TRINITY HAVE PLAYED 0 lead – with debutant James Worthington, Lewis Tierney, Liam Marshall and Tommy Leuluai all scoring. OUT SOME ENTERTAINING CONTESTS It looked like Wigan would remain in control until the break, AT THE DW STADIUM. HERE, DAVE but Wakefield had other ideas as they scored four tries of KUZIO SELECTS FOUR INTRIGUING their own – three from Bill Tupou – as they amazingly led 22- 20 at half-time. BATTLES IN THE LAST FEW YEARS. Wakefield didn’t not relinquish that lead from that moment on with second half tries from , Anthony England Wigan Warriors 22-18 Wakefield Trinity and Jacob Miller seeing them claim their first win at Wigan in Round 21 2016. over eight years. Twelve-man Wigan Warriors overcame the loss of skipper Jacob Miller - second half try. Sean O’Loughlin to secure a last second win over Wakefield Trinity Warriors to extend their winning run to seven matches. Wigan Warriors 46-16 Wakefield Trinity The first half was a fiery encounter with Wigan coming from Round 23 2019. behind to lead at the break and having to cope with two Liam Farrell ran in a hat-trick of tries as Wigan Warriors players being sin binned and one sent off. got back to winning ways in style against a struggling Max Jowitt put the visitors in front early on before Wigan Wakefield Trinity outfit. finally hit back through tries from Olivier Gildart and Sam Powell, both set up by George Williams, to lead 10-6 at the This game was over before the half-time hooter with the interval. The half was marred with both teams guilty of cheap defending champions showing no mercy as they ran in six shots and Wigan paid the penalty three times in total with tries as Wakefield simply had no answer. both Dom Manfredi and Josh Charnley spending time in the Liam Farrell got the ball rolling with the opening score and sin bin, while captain O’Loughlin was sent-off for the first time added a second before the break, while Zak Hardaker, Willie in his career for a high tackle on Chris Annakin. Isa, and also crossing to The Warriors played the best part of an hour with this game make it 34-0. with 12 men, and they refused to lie down, but it looked like Ryan Hampshire managed to cross twice in the second half they would come away with nothing as they headed into the for Wakefield, either side of a length of the field effort from final seconds two points behind – but more magic from Oliver Gildart before Farrell raced away for his third of the Williams saw him put in a pinpoint kick for Tierney (pictured above) to touch down for his second try and win the game for night Max Jowitt - early try for Wakefield. Wigan. Hat-trick for Liam Farrell. 32 - WARRIOR WARRIOR - 33 Academy update.

KEEN TO GET DOWN TO BUSINESS AND MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME.

Things are very slowly returning to what we consider RFL chief on-field officer, Dave Rotheram, said: “This is as normal, and that can only be described as good another big step in the right direction for Rugby League’s news for the community and rugby league as a whole. Talent Pathway. It’s been a long time coming and We were all left frustrated when Covid-19 changed the everybody connected with the Academy game – players, world as we know it, but for the youngsters involved in clubs, coaches – is keen to get down to business and rugby league, they must have felt that their whole world make up for lost time. had caved in. “It won’t be plain sailing and we have to tread carefully, With everyone’s health a priority, the Academy especially in respect of player welfare. Covid continues to competition in 2020 was postponed and the future looked present considerable logistical challenges and young bleak at best. That all changed last month when it was players will need time to adjust to a return to collision announced that academy and scholarships returned to sport. training. “We feel that a competitive league structure and full Following the Government’s announcement that fixture list isn’t appropriate this year, so will instead work lockdown restrictions were being eased, the future of our towards a formula that affords as many playing sport were allowed back in training from 8th March. opportunities as possible for players who have missed so The League has stated that there will be much in the last 12 months.” no formal academy competition this season, but there will We will have more details on the new season in future at least be some form of action. editions.

WARRIOR - 35 COMPILED BY RYAN KUZIO

Formula 1 - see questions 7 and 17 BRAIN TEASER TIME. IT’S TIME TO EXERCISE YOUR SPORTING GREY MATTER AS OUR FUN QUIZ RETURNS FOR 2021. AS USUAL THE ANSWERS ARE SUPPLIED ON PAGES 40-41 OF THIS ISSUE. BUT REMEMBER - SCROLLING DOWN FOR A QUICK PEEK IS NOT ALLOWED! First half. Second half. 1 In what sport do the USA and Europe compete for the 11 What sport has been played by Eve Muirhead and Mosconi Cup? David Murdoch?

2 In 2013, which four English brothers all played in the 12 Who is the only player to win three trophies? same game for the South Rabbitohs? 13 What colour medal did diver Tom Daley win at London 2012? 3 Who became the first Scotsman to win the PDC Darts World Championship in 2015? 14 Four players have won the trophy but have been on the losing side in the Grand Final. 4 Which Super League team play their home games Who did this most recently? at the KCOM Stadium? 15 Which country featured in each of the first three 5 What is the Franchise name of the NBA team World Cup Finals, winning two and losing one? based in Memphis? 16 Which Wakefield player made the most metres in the first 6 Which former Wigan captain became the youngest round of the 2021 Super League season? player to play in a Challenge Cup Final in 1993? 17 Niki Lauda, Alain Prost and Mika Hakkinen have all won 7 Who won the 2021 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix? F1 Driver’s World Championships whilst racing with which team? 8 Who scored the first try of the 2021 18 Which NRL team have scored the least points in the Super League season? 2021 season so far?

9 What nationality is 2021 Women’s Australian open 19 Which team plays their home winner Naomi Osaka? games at The New Lawn?

10 Which former British and Irish Lion made his rugby 20 Who scored the 2020 Super League season’s league debut in the Challenge Cup first round? first hat-trick?

WARRIOR - 37 7 - THOMAS LEULUAI 15 - MORGAN SMITHIES 25 - JOE SHORROCKS Player and Staff is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by CHRIS & NICOLA Sponsorship 2021. MARTINDALE

SHANE ECCLES 8 - BRAD SINGLETON 17 - TONY CLUBB 27 - KAI PEARCE-PAUL Management, is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by First Team Coaching, Medical playing squad. and Technical staff. www.learnwithdave.net

KRIS RADLINSKI DARRELL GOULDING 1 - BEVAN FRENCH 9 - SAM POWELL 19 - LIAM BYRNE 28 - SAM HALSALL is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by

The Wigan Rugby GLENDA Official Supporters Club, Riversiders, WRUDD Proudly Sponsor Darrell Goulding

ADRIAN LAM KYLE HUISH 2 - DOM MANFREDI 10 - JOE BULLOCK 20 - HARRY SMITH 29 - JAMES McDONNELL is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by

The Wigan Rugby Official Supporters Club, Riversiders, Proudly Sponsor Kyle Huish

DR CHRIS BROOKES JOHN STOPFORD 11 - WILLIE ISA 21 - ETHAN HAVARD 30 - UMYLA HANLEY is sponsored by is sponsored by 3 - ZAK HARDAKER is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by

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JOHN WINDER TOM FIZPATRICK 4 - OLIVER GILDART 12 - LIAM FARRELL 22 - JAKE BIBBY 31 - JACKSON HASTINGS is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by

Katie, Helen IAN & Bev from THE FINCH FAMILY PARKINSON www.morrisqualitybakers.co.uk

MATTY PEET IAN BENTLEY 5 - LIAM MARSHALL 13 - JOHN BATEMAN 23 - MITCH CLARKE 32 - BEN KILNER is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by

BENJAMIN The Wigan Rugby WIGAN Official Supporters WARRIORS LLOYD Club, Riversiders, OF THE Proudly Sponsor LOTTO AGENTS 07718 702 572 Ben Kilner VODKA JELLY COMPANY

SEAN O’LOUGHLIN 6 - JAI FIELD 14 - OLIVER PARTINGTON Wigan Warriors would like is sponsored by is sponsored by is sponsored by to take this oppurtunity to DAVE & LYNNE thank all our sponsors for BERRY the 2021 season.

38 - WARRIOR WARRIOR - 39 EMERGENCY PROCEDURE In the event of an emergency at the DW Stadium requiring evacuation of the ground in part or whole, spectators are requested to remain where they are and listen carefully to announcements over the public address system. The announcements may direct spectators in specific areas of the ground or For The Record. through perimeter exit gates on the pitch. Club stewards and police officers will assist in directing spectators to the safest locations. If requested to evacuate a specific area of the ground, spectators should do so calmly and quickly as they can assist in a safe and speedy evacuation. All emergency announcements will be preceded with a chime. First Team Match Statistics. TACKLE IT Wigan Warriors support the RFL’s “Tackle It” policy which clearly states it will not tolerate racism or abusive language of any kind and will take specific action against any spectators who engage in racist chanting, abuse or DATE COMP/RD VERSUS VEN KO/RES ATT POS Full Back Right Wing Right Centre Left Centre Left Wing Stand Off Scrum Half Prop Hooker Prop Second Row Second Row Loose Forward Rep Rep Rep Rep intimidation. Rugby League is a family sport and, with this in mind, action will be taken against any spectators who use foul and abusive language. MARCH RESPECT Wigan Warriors wants every fan to be among the vanguard as Rugby League seeks to protect its image as a sport for families and sets even higher Friday 26th SLR1 Leigh Centurions A W18-20 N/A 5 Hardaker (T,G) Field (D) Isa Bibby (2T) Hanley Leuluai Smith Singleton Powell Bullock (T) Bateman Farrell Partington Havard Byrne Shorrocks Smithies standards. Wigan Warriors in conjunction with the supports the “Respect” programme which is aimed at ensuring that the APRIL sport provides a suitable environment for everybody to enjoy both participating in and watching Rugby League. It will ensure that Rugby League Thursday 1st SLR2 WAKEFIELD TRINITY H continues to improve its reputation for being a disciplined, friendly sport, which attracts supporters from all sections of society. Spectators have an important role to play in the implementation of the “Respect” programme Friday 9th CCR3 A and the way to which you react at the playing of national anthems (if applicable), the introduction of the teams and dramatic moments in the Thursday 15th SLR3 Leeds Rhinos A game will have an impact on what the sport is trying to achieve. So, please join with us in making Rugby League a family sport which treats everyone Thursday 24th SLR4 H with “Respect.” NO SMOKING Thursday 29th SLR5 HULL FC H The DW Stadium is a no smoking venue, this includes the use of e- cigarettes. Thank you for your co-operation for making our home a healthier MAY place to be. WIGAN WARRIORS FIRST TEAM Monday 17th SLR6 Leigh Centurions A APPEARANCES AND SCORERS 2021 Player A S TOT T G DG PTS Saturday 22nd SLR7 Salford Red Devils A 1 Bevan French 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Dom Manfredi 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Saturday 29th SLR8 Catalans Dragons A 3 Zak Hardaker 1 0 1 1 2 0 8 JUNE 4 Oliver Gildart 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 Liam Marshall 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sunday 13th SLR9 Huddersfield Giants A 6Jai Field 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 7 Thomas Leuluai 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 Friday 18th SLR10 HULL KINGSTON ROVERS H 8 Brad Singleton 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 9 Sam Powell 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 Friday 25th SLR11 Wakefield Trinity A 10 Joe Bullock 1 0 1 1 0 0 4 11 Willie Isa 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 JULY 12 Liam Farrell 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 13 John Bateman 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 Thursday 1st SLR12 H 14 Oliver Partington 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 Sunday 4th SLR13 St Helens A 15 Morgan Smithies 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 17 Tony Clubb 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Friday 9th SLR14 HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS H 19 Liam Byrne 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 20 Harry Smith 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 Friday 23rd SLR15 WAKEFIELD TRINITY H 21 Ethan Havard 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 22 Jake Bibby 1 0 1 2 0 0 8 Thursday 29th SLR16 Warrington Wolves A 23 Mitch Clark 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 AUGUST 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 Joe Shorrocks 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 Sunday 1st SLR17 LEIGH CENTURIONS H 27 Kai Pearce-Paul 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 Sam Halsall 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Friday 6th SLR18 SALFORD RED DEVILS H 29 James McDonnell 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 Umyla Hanley 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 Sunday 15th SLR19 Hull Kingston Rovers A 31 Jackson Hastings 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 Ben Kilner 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Friday 20th SLR20 ST HELENS H 33 Amir Bourouh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Thursday 26th SLR21 LEEDS RHINOS H BRAIN TEASER ANSWERS Monday 30th SLR22 Castleford Tigers A 1. Pool, 2. Burgess Brothers, 3. Gary Anderson, 4. Hull FC, THE WARRIORS GIRLS 5. Grizzlies, 6. Andy Farrell, 7. Lewis Hamilton, are sponsored by SEPTEMBER 8. Tommy Makinson, 9. Japanese, 10. Gavin Henson, THE BERKELEY Sunday 5th SLR23 WARRINGTON WOLVES N 11. Curling, 12. , 13. Bronze, 14. , 15. West Indies, 16. Tom Johnstone, 17. McLaren, part of Amber Taverns Friday 10th SLR24 Hull FC A 18. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 19. Forest Green Rovers, 20. . Friday 17th SLR25 CATALANS DRAGONS H HOME FIXTURES IN BOLD CAPITALS - A number of Home and Away designated fixtures will be played behind closed doors at neutral venues due to the Covid 19 pandemic All fixtures and kick-off times are subject to change - see Club website & local press for details 40 - WARRIOR WARRIOR - 41 READY FOR ACTION WIGAN WARRIORS WAKEFIELD TRINITY Today’s teams will be selected from the squads listed below No. Tries Gls D.Gls No. Tries Gls D.Gls 1 Bevan FRENCH 1 Max JOWITT 2 Dom MANFREDI 2 Tom JOHNSTONE 3 Zak HARDAKER 3 Bill TUPOU 4 Oliver GILDART 4 Reece LYNE 5 Liam MARSHALL 5Liam KAY 6 Jai FIELD 6 Jacob MILLER 7 Thomas LEULUAI 7 Mason LINO 8 Brad SINGLETON 8 David FIFITA 9 Sam POWELL 9 Kyle WOOD 10 Joe BULLOCK 10 Tinirau ARONA 11 Matty ASHURST 11 Willie ISA 12 Kelepi TANGINOA 12 Liam FARRELL 13 Joe WESTERMAN 13 John BATEMAN 14 14 Oliver PARTINGTON 15 Eddie BATTYE 15 Morgan SMITHIES 16 James BATCHELOR 17 Tony CLUBB 17 Chris GREEN 18 The WARRIORS FANS 18 Innes SENIOR 19 Liam BYRNE 19 20 Harry SMITH 20 Joe ARUNDEL 21 Ethan HAVARD 21 Alex WALKER 22 Jake BIBBY 22 Adam TANGATA 23 Mitch CLARKE 23 Josh WOOD 24 Chris HANKINSON 24 Jack CROFT 25 Joe SHORROCKS 25 Brad WALKER 27 Kai PEARCE-PAUL 26 28 Sam HALSALL 27 29 James McDONNELL 29 Ryan HAMPSHIRE 30 Umyla HANLEY 31 31 Jackson HASTINGS 32 Ollie GREENSMITH 32 Ben KILNER 33 Harry BOWES 33 Amir BOUROUH 34 Dane WINDROW MATCH OFFICIALS Referee: S. MIKALAUSKAS Reserve Referee: G. DOLAN Touch Judges: G. JONES & D. BOWMER Reserve Touch Judge: J. McMULLEN Video Referee: C. KENDALL Match Comissioner: A. BROWN Time Keeper: P. TABERNER 42 - WARRIOR