2010 Wigan Warriors season

Last updated

2010 Wigan Warriors season
Super League XV champions
Super League XV Rank1st
Play-off resultWon Grand Final
(St Helens R.F.C. 22–10)
Challenge Cup Lost quarter final
(Leeds Rhinos 12–10)
2010 recordWins: 24; draws: 0; losses: 6
Points scoredFor: 922; against: 411
Team information
Chairman Ian Lenagan
Head coach Michael Maguire
Captains
Stadium DW Stadium
Avg. attendance15,793 (Increase2.svg12.1%)
High attendance22,701 (Warrington, 16 July)
Top scorers
Tries Pat Richards (25)
GoalsPat Richards (123)
PointsPat Richards (246)
<  2009 List of seasons 2011  >

The 2010 Wigan Warriors season is the club's fifteenth season in the Super League, since its launch in 1996. Wigan Warriors entered the season following their sixth-placed league finish and subsequent play-off knock-out in the 2009 Super League season, as well as their semi-final knock-out in the 2009 Challenge Cup. The 2010 season is the eleventh year in which rugby league has been played at the town's DW Stadium.

Contents

Michael Maguire started in his position as the new head coach of the club during this season, following Brian Noble's departure. It is also the first season for Paul Deacon, who signed for the club in November 2009. It was the first season in which the captaincy of the team was allocated through a newly formed leadership team of five players (later expanded to six players).

The season covers the period between 1 November 2009 and 31 October 2010. following three pre-season friendlies, the season started officially with the 38–6 victory over Crusaders RL at the DW Stadium in the Super League XV round 1 fixture on Friday 5 February 2010.

Background

Wigan Warriors' 2009 Challenge Cup campaign ended at the penultimate stage after they lost to Warrington Wolves in the semi-final at Widnes' Stobart Stadium Halton. [1] The club finished sixth in the Super League XIV table, [2] meaning they qualified for the season's play-offs, but in failing to defeat St Helens R.F.C. in their final play-off match, the club's 2009 season ended. [3] Immediately after the match, head coach Brian Noble confirmed that he would be leaving the club via mutual consent with the chairman, Ian Lenagan, at the end of the season for the same post at Crusaders after John Dixon's contract was not extended. [3] [4] The club also confirmed this shortly afterwards, and in a press conference a week later, the incumbent head coach Michael Maguire was unveiled. [5] Although a former assistant coach at Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League (NRL) competition, [5] the post at Wigan was Maguire's first experience as head coach.

As with all Super League licensees, the club continued to operate under the league's salary cap which remained unchanged from 2009's GBP£1.65 million limit. [6] As an ever-present club in the Super League format, this season was Wigan Warriors' fifteenth year in the competition, [7] and its second year under the licensing system after the club received a 'B' graded licence. [8] It was the eleventh year of rugby league at the DW Stadium, which the club shares with Wigan Athletic F.C., since its opening in 1999. [9]

Pre-season

The international rugby league season took place between the 2009 and 2010 seasons, with the Four Nations being held in England and France, [10] as well as a warm-up test match against Wales at Bridgend's Brewery Field. [11] Two Wigan Warriors players—captain Sean O'Loughlin and debutant Sam Tomkins—were initially called up for the England squad. [12] Sam Tomkins scored three times and assisted in a further two tries as England defeated Wales. [11] O'Loughlin was forced to withdraw because of a fractured bone in his thumb. [13] Sam Tomkins did not play during England's Four Nations opener against France the week after, [14] but received a starting place against Australia and New Zealand. [15] [16] Thomas Leuluai played hooker for New Zealand, [17] but his Four Nations ended when defeat by England in the final weekend of round robin fixtures meant that England qualified for the final instead of his New Zealand team. [16] Sam Tomkins featured in the final, where England capitulated in the final twenty minutes to finish the tournaments as runners-up. [18] In addition to the Four Nations, the 2009 European Cup also took place across Europe, with Pat Richards playing for an Ireland team which failed to make the event's final. [19] Harrison Hansen continued his Samoa career by playing in the 2009 Pacific Cup qualifying stage. [20] The eventual winners, Papua New Guinea, were coached by Adrian Lam, a former Wigan player. [21]

Wigan had already lost one player before the end of the 2009 season, when Mark Flanagan signed for NRL side Wests Tigers. [22] In late October, George Carmont extended his contract by a year with an additional clause for a possible second year. [23] Two days after the Four Nations final, the club started their transfers with the signing of Wigan-born Paul Deacon, who had spent the last twelve years at Bradford Bulls and led them as captain. Deacon signed as a player for the 2010 season, but also joined as an assistant coach to mentor Sam Tomkins, with the intention of becoming a full-time coach in 2011. [24] A rumour linking James Graham to Wigan amongst other clubs ended after Graham stated he expected to remain at local rivals, St Helens R.F.C. for the coming season. [25] Phil Bailey extended his contract at the club by another year, ending at the close of the 2010 season. [26] Aside from academy products, Deacon was the only player acquired by the club during the off-season, and squad numbers were given on 8 December 2009. [27]

Elsewhere, former Great Britain and Wigan player Kris Radlinski was promoted from his role in Wigan Warriors Youth Development to the new post of rugby general manager at the club, in an assistance role to Maguire. [28] The deadline given to Leganan from the Rugby Football League (RFL) by which he was forced to sell a certain amount of his shares in fellow Super League club, Harlequins RL, was extended owing to the harsh economic climate during the later third of the Noughties. [29] In early February, Wigan announced that Thomas Leuluai, Andy Coley, George Carmont and Phil Bailey would join former captain Sean O'Loughlin in the newly formed leadership team. [30]

On 18 November, the RFL published a full list of fixtures for the 2010 season, and the club learned that its opening Super League fixture would be against Brian Noble's new club, Crusaders RL. [31] The draw for the Magic Weekend fixtures was also made later in the same day, with Huddersfield Giants becoming the resulting opponents. [32] Catalans Dragons requested that their home game against Wigan Warriors be moved to Montpellier as part of their attempts to spread rugby league in the south of France, but Wigan declined this, claiming it was unfair on fans who had already spent money in anticipation of the game being held at Catalans' usual home ground in Perpignan. [33]

Michael Maguire's first match as head coach was abandoned before kick-off. The pre-season friendly was due to be played on 27 December at St Helens RLFC's Knowsley Road, but icy weather over the Christmas period forced safety concerns. [34] Belle Vue therefore became the venue of Maguire's first match as head coach, which itself ended in a come-from-behind 38–40 victory for Wigan against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. [35] A youthful Wigan team containing only Shaun Ainscough and Chris Tuson with any top-flight experience was beaten by Leigh Centurions, a match in which assistant coach Shaun Wane took charge in place of Maguire. [36] Deacon featured for his debut in Wigan's final pre-season friendly—a 12–20 victory for Wigan against Warrington Wolves in Paul Wood's testimonial match. [37]

Legend
 Win
 Draw
 Loss
OpponentScoreH/ADate
Saintscolours.svg St Helens R.F.C. A–A [ permanent dead link ]Away27 December 2009
Wcatscolours.svg Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 38–40 Away17 January 2010
Leigh colours.svg Leigh Centurions 16–14 Away24 January 2010
Wolvescolours.svg Warrington Wolves 12–20 Away27 January 2010

Season review

As with all Super League XV clubs, the regular season consists of 27 rounds of fixtures against the other thirteen clubs, once home and once away, as well as their Magic Weekend fixture. For Wigan Warriors, this was against Huddersfield Giants. Finishing the regular season in the top eight places means entering the play-offs for those teams concerned, potentially an additional four matches, including the Grand Final itself. The club will also compete in the 2010 Challenge Cup, entering in the fourth round.

February

An Amos Roberts brace gave Wigan their first win of the season in the opening round against Crusaders RL, who were led by the Warriors' former head coach Brian Noble. [38] Roberts ran in another two tries as Wigan comfortably won their second match of the season against Hull Kingston Rovers, although Cameron Phelps sustained an ankle injury and was ruled out for up to four weeks. [39] [40] A regathered kick chipped into space by Sam Tomkins set up a move which culminated in his brother Joel Tomkins scoring the match-winning try, to register Wigan's first win against Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium since it opened in 2004. [41] Adverse weather conditions across the United Kingdom meant Wigan could not travel to Neath to play their friendly match against South Wales Scorpions. [42] Pat Richards scored five tries and nine goals to break the club's record for most points by a player in a single match, breaking Andy Farrell's previous record of thirty-two points, as Wigan whitewashed Catalans Dragons 58–0 to maintain their perfect start to the season. [43] [44]

At the start of February, two Wigan players—Shaun Ainscough and Liam Farrell—were loaned out to Widnes Vikings on a dual-registration arrangement. [45] Ben Davies also moved to Widnes on a three-month loan. [45] On 15 February, the club's president Peter Higginbottom died aged 66. [46] Following criticism about the condition of the DW Stadium's pitch from Wigan Athletic's manager Roberto Martínez, the football club announced it would dig up and relay the surface after the rugby league match against Catalans Dragons, despite the Warriors' head coach Maguire stating he thought the pitch was "pretty good" and looked "alright" to him. [47] [48] [49] Ainscough moved from his dual-registration with Widnes to a month-long loan with Castleford Tigers. [50]

March

In the first match of March, a Matt Orford brace helped to overturn a 0–20 deficit for the Bradford Bulls, meaning Wigan suffered their first loss of the season and the last perfect record of Super League XV fell. [51] Darrell Goulding and Sam Tomkins scored two tries each as Hull F.C. struggled to cope with Wigan's front-row and consequently the Warriors moved two points clear at the top of the league table. [52] Castleford were beaten at The Jungle, as Roberts' good form continued with his first hat-trick for Wigan in two seasons, joining Richards as the league's leading try scorer with ten in seven games. [53] An injury-stricken Leeds Rhinos side were then beaten by Wigan, with Goulding scoring two tries against the defending Super League champions. [54] Having already missed the games against Castleford and Leeds, Harrison Hansen was confirmed as having been injured with a torn shoulder muscle, and was ruled out for up to three months. [55]

Following their loss to Wigan, Castleford signed a month-long loan with Chris Tuson, who made his second first-grade appearance for the Warriors against them. [56] Ainscough's loan at Castleford was extended to last the rest of the season. [57] Joel Tomkins was given a formal caution for using knees in a tackle on Danny Buderus. [58] Lee Mossop quashed rumours that he may leave Wigan for a career in the NRL by signing a five-year contract extension, due to expire at the end of the 2014 season. [59]

April

St Helens R.F.C. fought back in an attempt to overturn a 0–14 deficit at half-time, but Wigan held on with two second-half penalties from Richards to win the final Good Friday derby at the Saints' Knowsley Road.[ citation needed ] Wigan followed this up on Easter Monday with a 54–14 win over Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, although Roberts sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury and was expected to be out for approximately eight weeks. [60] [61] Richards scored two tries as Wigan comfortably completed a sixth successive win over Salford City Reds. [62] In Wigan's first Challenge Cup fixture of the season, a Richie Barnett hat-trick for the Sheffield Eagles threatened to repeat the Warriors' infamous defeat by them in the 1998 Challenge Cup final, but Sam Tomkins scored a hat-trick of his own to ease Wigan into the fifth round. [63] The seven-match winning streak came to an end, as Harlequins RL rallied from 24–6 down to beat Wigan 26–38. [64]

Dual-registration deals were signed with Whitehaven for Josh Veivers and Stefan Marsh. [65] Ainscough was recalled from his season-long loan at Castleford as Wigan's injury list grew. [66] The 2007 and 2009 NRL league titles that Maguire had earned as assistant coach with the Melbourne Storm were stripped after it was discovered the club had cheated, using secret payments to break the league's salary cap. [67] Tuson's loan at Castleford was extended on a week-by-week basis, while Ainscough was loaned back out again to Widnes. [68] [69] Davies' loan with Widnes was also extended to a dual-registration arrangement. [69]

May

The Magic Weekend took place at the start of May, and Wigan's win against the Huddersfield Giants took them two points clear again at the top of the table. [70] Sam Tomkins and Karl Pryce both scored hat-tricks as an injury-hit Widnes side—unable to use loanees Ainscough, Farrell and Davies—proved unable to match Wigan in their fifth round cup match at the Stobart Stadium. [71] Huddersfield lost to Wigan again in an ill-tempered match at the Galpharm Stadium, despite two sin-binnings for the Warriors and a David Hodgson hat-trick for the Giants. [72] Pryce claimed four tries and Martin Gleeson scored twice as Wigan beat Crusaders 26–46. [73] However, Wigan's cup campaign came to end in the quarterfinal stage on a rain-soaked Headingley pitch, thanks to a last-minute Lee Smith try which handed victory to Leeds. [74]

Sean O'Loughlin received a formal caution for a high tackle on Luke Robinson, despite the Huddersfield head coach Nathan Brown believing the foul deserved a two-month ban. [75] [76] Gleeson was dropped by the club for their second match of the month against Huddersfield due to an unidentified breach of discipline. [77]

June

On returning to league action following their cup knock-out to Leeds, a Goulding hat-trick helped Wigan make their lead at the top of table more secure with a win over Castleford. [78] Both of the Tomkins brothers as well as O'Loughlin were called up to play for England against France on 12 June, and all three played in a win over Wakefield in the league the next day, although O'Loughlin had been withdrawn after ten minutes with a strain to his quadriceps. [79] [80] A late comeback was not enough to overturn a 12–26 deficit against St Helens, as the Warriors lost their first league match since Harlequins in April. [81] Sam Tomkins made his first appearance at fullback, where he was to stay for the rest of the season, as Wigan won against Harlequins thanks to a Richards brace. [82]

Mick Hogan was appointed as the new chief executive at rugby union side Sale Sharks, moving from a similar role he had occupied at Wigan since 2008. [83] Mark Riddell announced his intentions to return home to Australia at the end of the season to be with his ill mother. [84]

July

Two tries from Clint Greenshields of the Catalans Dragons were not enough for victory as Wigan replied with five tries of their own to keep a four-point lead in the league table. [85] O'Loughlin returned from injury to score a try as Wigan defeated Salford by fifty points, helped by a hat-trick from Goulding and a brace from Sam Tomkins. [86] In the first Super League game broadcast in 3D display, Wigan lost to Warrington, a result which reduced their lead in the league table to two points with five games remaining. [87] However, the team responded by whitewashing Hull at the KC Stadium a week later, with Richards scoring his third hat-trick of the season, while Warrington's loss to Catalans in the same weekend restored Wigan's four-point advantage. [88] [89] In July's final fixture, Wigan defeated Leeds in an ill-disciplined match, with Carl Ablett and Ryan Bailey both being put on report for the Rhinos. [90]

Andy Coley received a red-card against Catalans and consequently picked up a two-match ban. [91] The club signed eight of its academy players on professional contracts. [92] Following the salary cap breaches at Melbourne which stripped them of their 2007 and 2009 titles, Ryan Hoffman was released to join Wigan on a twelve-month contract, and was followed by Brett Finch and Jeff Lima, with all three joining the squad for the 2011 season. [93] [94] Joel Tomkins was charged with a late tackle against Warrington but did not receive any match ban. [95] Maguire returned home to Australia during July to be with his gravely ill father, meaning Shaun Wane, the assistant coach, took control of the matches against Hull and Leeds. [96]

August

As the Challenge Cup semi-finals were played over the first weekend of August, Wigan's first team had a week off, although Mossop was ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a shoulder injury during an under-20s match. [97] The team returned to action on 16 August with a home fixture against Huddersfield, and squandered a chance to secure the League Leader's Shield for sure, losing 16–18.[ citation needed ] A win at Craven Park against Hull Kingston Rovers meant that Wigan could no longer be caught at the top of the league table at four points ahead with only one game left, and consequently, the Warriors won the League Leader's Shield for the first time in ten years, their first trophy since 2002. [98] The final weekend of August was occupied with the Challenge Cup final, meaning Wigan had another week away from action.

Davies was named in the Welsh national squad for their international fixtures during the autumn. [99] The club featured in the Carnegie Floodlit Nines competition for the first time, and beat Bradford 20–16 in the final to win the tournament. [100] Riddell's departure from the club was confirmed, as well as the release of Phil Bailey and Iafeta Paleaaesina whose contracts were due to run out at the end of the 2010 season and were not renewed. [101] Ainscough, who featured in the Flootlit Nines victory, was signed by Bradford for the 2011 season. [102]

September

Wigan won their final match of the regular rounds against Bradford, but with the League Leader's shield already won, all eyes were on Richards as he attempted to break several records. [103] With two tries, he broke the club record for most tries in a Super League season, bringing his tally to twenty-nine and breaking Kris Radlinski's previous record of twenty-eight. [103] It placed him at third in the overall Super League records, behind Danny McGuire's thirty-five tries and Lesley Vainikolo's thirty-six, both achieved in 2004. [103] With three goals as well, Richards also equalled the league record for most points in a season, matching Andy Farrell's 2001 record of 388. [103] The win meant that Wigan ended the regular season with twenty-two wins and five losses, beating their nearest rivals in St Helens and Warrington to the top of the table by four points. [104] By virtue of this, they would play fourth-placed Leeds in the first weekend of the playoffs.

A drop-goal from Kevin Sinfield proved the difference as Wigan lost their first playoff match in controversial circumstances, as in the final minute of the game, McGuire took out Carmont and Scott Donald took out Richards as Wigan were breaking down the left wing, foul play which injured McGuire's knee and ruled him out for the rest of the playoffs, and gave Wigan a penalty from forty metres out which would have won the game had Richards not missed it. [105] [106] The consequence of defeat by Leeds was a match against Hull Kingston Rovers, with the Warriors missing Deacon due to a groin injury received during the previous match. [107] However, despite being behind twice during the match at 6–12 and 12–14, Wigan eventually overcame Hull Kingston Rovers 42–18 to place themselves into the playoff semi-finals. [108] With St Helens choosing to play Huddersfield in other semi-final match, Wigan were left with an away trip to face Leeds again. [109] With a 6–26 victory, it was Wigan this time who won, ending Leeds' three-year run as Super League champions, with the result placing Wigan into the Grand Final where they would face St Helens. [110]

Leuluai was announced in the New Zealand preliminary squad for the 2010 Four Nations. [111] Stuart Fielden and Andy Coley both signed new contracts to keep them at Wigan, for two years and one year respectively. [112] Four Wigan players were announced in the Super League Dream Team for 2010: Richards, O'Loughlin and both of the Tomkins brothers. [113] Two days after Wigan had defeated Leeds for a place in the Grand Final, it was confirmed that Terry Newton, the former Wigan player who had been banned in February for testing positive for human growth hormone while playing for Wakefield, had been discovered dead at his home near Wigan. The death was later given an open verdict rather than one of suicide by the coroner, due to doubts over Newton's mental state at the time of his death. [114]

October

2010 was Wigan's fourth appearance in a Grand Final, three less than their opponents and local derby rivals St Helens, who held the record for most finals and were playing at Old Trafford for the fifth consecutive time having lost the previous three finals to Leeds. [115] Wigan's most previous final had been the defeat by Bradford in 2003, and O'Loughlin was the only survivor in 2010 from the team that played that day. [115] Compared to St Helens' Grand Final record of four wins from seven, Wigan's record was poor, with their only Super League championship after the playoffs were introduced coming in 1998 against Leeds. [115] With the league's statistically best defence in Wigan opposing the league's best attack in St Helens, and the top two teams from the regular season league table playing each other, the final was deemed by several commentators as a close match to call. [116] [117] [118]

The match was preceded with a minute's silence to Newton. Wigan earned the early advantage with the former St Helens player, Gleeson, scoring the game's opening try after three minutes following an Iosia Soliola knock-on. [119] Deacon continued to put St Helens under pressure with threatening kicks to Richards, but it was Gleeson who scored his and Wigan's second try thanks to a move that started in the Warriors' half with Sam Tomkins and Deacon. [119] Another Deacon kick was not properly controlled by St Helens, and Goulding touched down an easy try in the sixteenth minute. [119] Richards scored his second goal with the conversion attempt, but did not last the first half as he suffered an injury to his Achilles tendon which ended his participation in the final. [119] After coming close to a try through Matty Smith, St Helens eventually replied through Andrew Dixon to reduce the margin to ten points at half-time. [119]

Richards' injury cost Wigan points, as Riddell, the stand-in kicker, missed two relatively easy penalty attempts. [119] However, Sam Tomkins scored the first try of the second half on the right wing, with Riddell managing to successfully kick the conversion. [119] Liam Farrell also had a try disallowed for obstruction, before St Helens scored their second try of the match through Francis Meli. [119] It was the final try of the game though, as Wigan managed to run down the clock without conceding again to win their first Grand Final in twelve years. [119] The 22–10 victory meant Wigan were crowned Super League XV champions. [119]

In addition to O'Loughlin and the Tomkins brothers who played against France earlier in the season, Fielden and Goulding were both selected to join the England squad in the post-season 2010 Four Nations tournament. [120] It confirmed the day after the Grand Final that the injury Richards had sustained meant that he would be out of action for at least five to six months, which included the post-season international matches as well as the start of the next season, although Richards stated, "If I'd known that would happen and we'd still end up winning, I'd have taken it." [121]

Fixtures

LEGEND
 Win
 Draw
 Loss

Super League

RoundOpponentScoreH/AAttendanceDate
1 Cruscolours.svg Crusaders RL 38–6 Home13,6805 February 2010
2 HKRcolours.svg Hull Kingston Rovers 32–6 Home12,42912 February 2010
3 Wolvescolours.svg Warrington Wolves 20–22 Away 13,02420 February 2010
4 Catalanscolours.svg Catalans Dragons 58–0 Home12,00126 February 2010
5 Bullscolours.svg Bradford Bulls 22–20 Away 9,2445 March 2010
6 Hullcolours.svg Hull F.C. 48–24 Home15,04512 March 2010
7 Castleford colours.svg Castleford Tigers 22–36 Away 8,49321 March 2010
8 Rhinoscolours.svg Leeds Rhinos 24–4 Home17,88326 March 2010
9 Saintscolours.svg St Helens R.F.C. 10–18 Away 17,5002 April 2010
10 Wcatscolours.svg Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 54–14 Home14,6155 April 2010
11 Redscolours.svg Salford City Reds 4–18 Away 6,61811 April 2010
12 Quinscolours.svg Harlequins RL 26–48 Home18,60523 April 2010
13 Giantscolours.svg Huddersfield Giants 28–10 Neutral 25,4012 May 2010
14 Giantscolours.svg Huddersfield Giants 30–38 Away 8,39016 May 2010
15 Cruscolours.svg Crusaders RL 26–46 Away 6,07522 May 2010
16 Castleford colours.svg Castleford Tigers 38–22 Home14,0476 June 2010
17 Wcatscolours.svg Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 6–48 Away 6,93713 June 2010
18 Saintscolours.svg St Helens RLFC 24–26 Home20,49820 June 2010
19 Quinscolours.svg Harlequins RL 12–36 Away 5,08426 June 2010
20 Catalanscolours.svg Catalans Dragons 16–34 Away 7,6124 July 2010
21 Redscolours.svg Salford City Reds 60–10 Home12,2219 July 2010
22 Wolvescolours.svg Warrington Wolves 16–23 Home22,70116 July 2010
23 Hullcolours.svg Hull 0–46 Away 12,69423 July 2010
24 Rhinoscolours.svg Leeds Rhinos 12–26 Away 16,62230 July 2010
25 Giantscolours.svg Huddersfield Giants 16–18 Home13,61915 August 2010
26 HKRcolours.svg Hull Kingston Rovers 18–38 Away 9,25022 August 2010
27 Bullscolours.svg Bradford Bulls 34–12 Home17,0583 September 2010
QPO Rhinoscolours.svg Leeds Rhinos 26–27 Home9,98712 September 2010
PSF HKRcolours.svg Hull Kingston Rovers 42–18 Away11,13317 September 2010
QSF Rhinoscolours.svg Leeds Rhinos 6–26 Away13,69325 September 2010
Final Saintscolours.svg St Helens RLFC 10–22 Neutral 71,5262 October 2010

Challenge Cup

RoundOpponentScoreH/AAttendanceDate
4 Sheffeagles colours.svg Sheffield Eagles [C] 34–50 Away 2,95017 April 2010
5 Widnes colours.svg Widnes Vikings [C] 10–62 Away5,5048 May 2010
QF Rhinoscolours.svg Leeds Rhinos [SL] 10–12 Away9,24229 May 2010

League table

PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDPtsQualification
1 Wigancolours.svg Wigan Warriors (L, C)272205922411+51144Play-offs
2 Saintscolours.svg St Helens 272007946547+39940
3 Wolvescolours.svg Warrington Wolves 272007885488+39740
4 Rhinoscolours.svg Leeds Rhinos 271719725561+16435
5 Giantscolours.svg Huddersfield Giants 2716110758439+31933
6 Hullcolours.svg Hull F.C. 27160115695841532
7 HKRcolours.svg Hull Kingston Rovers 2714112653632+2129
8 Cruscolours.svg Celtic Crusaders 271201554773218524
9 Castleford colours.svg Castleford Tigers 271101664876611822
10 Bullscolours.svg Bradford Bulls 27911752872820019
11 Wcatscolours.svg Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 27901853974120218
12 Redscolours.svg Salford City Reds 27801944885740916
13 Quinscolours.svg Harlequins 27702049483834414
14 Catalanscolours.svg Catalans Dragons 27602140974733812
Source: Rugby League Project
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Points difference; 3) Number of points scored;
(C) Champions; (L) League Leaders' Shield Winners

Transfers

Transfers in

PosNameFromDateNotes
SH Paul Deacon Bradford Bulls 16 November 2009Also joined as assistant coach. [24]

Transfers out

PosNameToDateNotes
LF Mark Flanagan Wests Tigers 24 September 2009 [22]

Notable moments

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danny Buderus</span> Former Australia international rugby league footballer

Danny Buderus is an Australian rugby league commentator, coach and former professional footballer who played in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative hooker, he played in the National Rugby League for Australian club, the Newcastle Knights, with whom he won a Dally M Medal, and the 2001 NRL Premiership before setting a new record for most games with the club. Buderus also played in the Super League for English club, the Leeds Rhinos, with whom he won 2011's Super League XVI. He set the record for most appearances as captain of the New South Wales State of Origin team at 15 and for most consecutive appearances for the side at 21. Buderus also played representative football for the Exiles and New South Wales Country. In 2015, he took up an interim coaching role with the Knights and continued as an assistant coach in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kylie Leuluai</span> Former Samoa international rugby league footballer

Kylie Leuluai is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer. A New Zealand Māori and Samoa international representative prop, he most notably played at club level for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League. He also played club football in Australia for National Rugby League clubs; the Balmain Tigers, Wests Tigers, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels, and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sean O'Loughlin</span> Great Britain and England international rugby league player

Sean O'Loughlin is an English rugby league coach and former professional rugby league footballer. He is currently the assistant coach of Wigan Warriors where he spent his entire playing career, playing as a loose forward for the Super League club, which he captained. Has also played for Great Britain and England at the international level, the latter of which he has also captained.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas Leuluai</span> New Zealand international rugby league footballer

Thomas James Leuluai is a New Zealand professional rugby league coach who is the assistant coach of the Wigan Warriors in the Betfred Super League and a former professional rugby league footballer who played for New Zealand at international level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joel Tomkins</span> England dual-code international rugby footballer

Joel Andrew Tomkins is an English professional rugby league coach who is currently the scholarship coach for Wigan Warriors, the club he spent the majority of his professional playing career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Deacon</span> English rugby player and coach (born 1979)

Paul Deacon is an English rugby union coach who is the head coach of the Sale Sharks in Premiership Rugby, and former a professional rugby league footballer and coach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian McDermott (rugby league)</span> English rugby league footballer, and singer

Brian G. McDermott is an English professional rugby league coach who was the head coach of Featherstone Rovers in the RFL Championship, resigning on 26 Sep 2022, after the loss to Batley Bulldogs. He is a former professional rugby league player.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Hoffman</span> Australia international rugby league footballer

Ryan Hoffman is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000s and 2010s. He played for Melbourne Storm and the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League, and the Wigan Warriors in the Super League, as a second-row.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brett Delaney</span> Former Australian rugby league footballer

Brett Delaney is an Australian former rugby league footballer who played as a centre and second-row forward in the 2000s and 2010s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carl Ablett</span> Former England international rugby league footballer

Carl Ablett is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played as a second-row, loose forward or centre for the Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Super League and England at international level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff Lima</span> NZ & Samoa international rugby league footballer

Jeff Lima is a former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the Canberra Raiders in the NRL. A New Zealand international representative prop, he previously played for the Wests Tigers, Melbourne Storm, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Wigan Warriors and the Catalans Dragons in the Super League, as well as France's Elite One Championship for the Saint-Gaudens Bears.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Tomkins</span> England international rugby league footballer

Sam Tomkins is a professional rugby league analyst for Sky Sports and former professional player. He finished his career as captain of England national team before continuing for a final season with Catalans Dragons in the Super League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shaun Ainscough</span> English rugby league footballer

Shaun Ainscough is a former English professional rugby league footballer who last played as a winger for the Rochdale Hornets in the Betfred Championship.

Wigan Warriors played in the Super League XIV and Challenge Cup in the 2009 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Maguire (rugby league)</span> Australian former professional RL coach and former rugby league footballer

Michael Maguire is an Australian professional rugby league football coach and former player who last coached New Zealand at international level. He played as a fullback, winger and centre in the 1990s.

Engage Super League XV was the official name for the 2010 Super League season. Fourteen teams competed over 27 rounds. The season officially kicked off on 5 February with the Crusaders versus the Leeds Rhinos on 29 January at Crusaders' new homeground at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham. Crusaders halfback Michael Witt scored the first points of the season with a penalty goal and the Rhinos came away with the first competition points, posting a 34 to 6 victory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Super League Grand Final</span>

The 2010 Super League Grand Final was the 13th official Grand Final and conclusive and championship-deciding game of Super League XV. Held on Saturday 2 October 2010, at Manchester's Old Trafford stadium, the match was contested by English clubs St. Helens and Wigan Warriors. The final saw Wigan, who also finished League leaders, win 22-10, taking over the crown of Super League champions from the Leeds Rhinos, who had held the title for 3 years. This was St. Helens' fifth consecutive Grand Final and their fourth consecutive Grand Final defeat, having won in 2006 and then lost three Grand Finals to Leeds between 2007 and 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Clarkson</span> English rugby league footballer

Christopher Clarkson is an English professional rugby league footballer who last played in the second-row forward for the York Knights in the Betfred Championship. He is an England Knights international.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Charnley</span> England international rugby league & union footballer

Joshua Charnley is an English international professional rugby league footballer who plays on the wing for the Leigh Leopards in the Super League.

The 2011 Wigan Warriors season is the club's 16th season in the Super League, since its launch in 1996.

References

Footnotes

  1. Hudson, Elizabeth (8 August 2009). "Wigan 26–39 Warrington". BBC . Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  2. "The official Engage Super League table". Super League. Archived from the original on 27 February 2010. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  3. 1 2 Wilson, Andy (5 October 2009). "Brian Noble bows out on another near miss with Wigan". The Guardian . London. Archived from the original on 8 October 2009. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  4. "Celtic Crusaders appoint Brian Noble as new head coach". The Times . London. 14 October 2009. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  5. 1 2 Wilson, Andy (7 October 2009). "Australian Michael Maguire confirmed as new Wigan head coach". The Guardian . London. Archived from the original on 10 October 2009. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  6. "Wolves fail to rule out Myler bid". BBC. 29 June 2009. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  7. "Wigan Warriors – Seasons". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  8. "Three clubs given A grade licence". BBC. 23 July 2008. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  9. "DW Stadium – Facts & Figures". Wigan Warriors. Archived from the original on 9 October 2009. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  10. "Four Nations 2009 – Venues". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  11. 1 2 Patrick, Hamish (18 October 2009). "Wales improve but England still stroll to victory". The Times . London. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  12. Hodgson, Phil (6 October 2009). "Two Wigan players called up by England". League News. Archived from the original on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  13. "O'Loughlin out, Briscoe in". Sky Sports. 20 October 2009. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  14. Wilson, Andy (21 October 2009). "England's Sam Tomkins dropped for France match". The Guardian . London. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  15. "Tomkins handed start by England". BBC. 29 October 2009. Archived from the original on 29 October 2009. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  16. 1 2 Fletcher, Paul (7 November 2009). "England 20–12 New Zealand". BBC. Archived from the original on 6 November 2009. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  17. "Leuluai warns England will be a threat". Television New Zealand. 9 October 2009. Archived from the original on 12 October 2009. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  18. Lewis, Aimee (14 November 2009). "England 16–46 Australia". BBC. Archived from the original on 16 November 2009. Retrieved 15 November 2009.
  19. "Ireland fall short in European Cup". Rugby League Ireland. 1 November 2009. Archived from the original on 13 May 2014. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  20. "Hansen Named in Samoa Squad". Wigan Warriors. 6 October 2009. Retrieved 16 November 2009.[ dead link ]
  21. Lester, Joanna (1 November 2009). "PNG win place in Four Nations". The Daily Telegraph . Retrieved 16 November 2009.
  22. 1 2 "Wests confirm Flanagan signing". LastTackle.com. 24 September 2009. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2010.
  23. "Carmont signs new Wigan contract". BBC. 22 October 2009. Archived from the original on 26 October 2009. Retrieved 16 November 2009.
  24. 1 2 "Wigan sign Deacon from Bradford". BBC. 16 November 2009. Retrieved 16 November 2009.
  25. Wilkinson, Phil (10 November 2009). "Graham rumour quashed". Wigan Today. Archived from the original on 25 November 2009. Retrieved 9 December 2009.
  26. "Bailey pens Warriors extension". Sky Sports. 7 December 2009. Retrieved 9 December 2009.
  27. "Warriors Announce 2010 Squad Numbers". Wigan Warriors. 8 December 2009. Archived from the original on 13 December 2009. Retrieved 9 December 2009.
  28. Sugar, Mark (1 December 2009). "Radlinski returns to Wigan". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 4 December 2009. Retrieved 9 December 2009.
  29. Wilkinson, Phil (3 December 2009). "Lenagan's Quins quandry [sic]". Wigan Today. Archived from the original on 15 December 2009. Retrieved 9 December 2009.
  30. "Leadership role for Leuluai". Sky Sports. 2 February 2010. Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  31. "Old boys return for openers". Sky Sports. 18 November 2009. Archived from the original on 27 January 2010. Retrieved 27 December 2009.
  32. "Magical draw for Noble". Sky Sports. 18 November 2009. Archived from the original on 27 January 2010. Retrieved 27 December 2009.
  33. "Warriors Decline Catalans Fixture Switch". Wigan Warriors. 16 December 2009. Retrieved 27 December 2009.[ dead link ]
  34. "St Helens V Wigan OFF". Wigan Warriors. 27 December 2009. Retrieved 27 December 2009.[ dead link ]
  35. "Warriors tame Wildcats". Sky Sports. 17 January 2010. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
  36. Wilkinson, Phil (25 January 2010). "Wane looks at positives". Wigan Today. Retrieved 6 February 2010.
  37. "Warriors hold off Wolves". Sky Sports. 27 January 2010. Archived from the original on 30 January 2010. Retrieved 6 February 2010.
  38. "Wigan 38-6 Crusaders | Super League match report". TheGuardian.com . 5 February 2010.
  39. "Wigan 32–6 Hull KR". BBC. 12 February 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  40. "Wigan full-back Cameron Phelps out for four weeks". BBC. 16 February 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  41. Slater, Gary (20 February 2010). "Warrington Wolves 20 Wigan Warriors 22: match report". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  42. "Snowfall affects parts of Wales". BBC. 21 February 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  43. "Wigan Warriors 58–0 Catalans Dragons". BBC. 26 February 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  44. Clowes, Nick (1 March 2010). "Wigan wallop Dragons in Super show". National Rugby League. Archived from the original on 3 October 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  45. 1 2 "Wigan trio head to Widnes". Sky Sports. 4 February 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  46. "Wigan Warriors president Peter Higginbottom dies". BBC. 15 February 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  47. "Wigan's overused pitch a worry for manager Roberto Martinez". The Daily Telegraph. 17 February 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  48. Hampson, Andy (17 February 2010). "Martinez tells Wigan to deal with bumpy pitch". The Independent. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  49. Reekie, Harry (22 February 2010). "Wigan Athletic will dig up and relay DW Stadium pitch". BBC. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  50. "Ainscough joins Tigers". Wigan Evening Post. 25 February 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  51. Irvine, Christopher (6 March 2010). "Bustling Matt Orford inspires heroic Bradford Bulls' fightback". The Times. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  52. Irvine, Christopher (13 March 2011). "Superb Wigan give Hull and Long severe reality check". The Times. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  53. Irvine, Christopher (22 March 2010). "Hat-trick for Amos Roberts helps Wigan Warriors to hit the heights". The Times. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  54. "Wounded Rhinos slump again". Sky Sports. 27 March 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  55. "Wigan suffer Harrison Hansen injury blow". BBC. 30 March 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  56. "Castleford Tigers sign Wigan forward Chris Tuson". BBC. 24 March 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  57. "Cas to keep Wigan winger Shaun Ainscough for season". BBC. 26 March 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  58. "Walker to face RFL panel". Sky Sports. 29 March 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  59. "Wigan Warriors forward Lee Mossop signs new contract". BBC. 29 March 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
  60. Wilson, Andy (5 April 2010). "Amos Roberts' broken leg mars Wigan's cruise against Wakefield". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  61. "Wigan Warriors' Amos Roberts out with cruciate injury". BBC. 7 April 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  62. "Salford 4 Wigan 18". Manchester Evening News. 11 April 2010. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  63. "Sheffield Eagles 34–50 Wigan Warriors". BBC. 17 April 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  64. Irvine, Christopher (24 April 2010). "Harlequins stage stunning comeback to shock Wigan". The Times. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  65. "Wigan Warriors youngsters join Whitehaven on dual deal". BBC. 9 April 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  66. "Wigan Warriors recall Shaun Ainscough from Castleford". BBC. 21 April 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  67. Irvine, Christopher (23 April 2010). "Melbourne lose honours after breach of salary cap". The Times. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  68. "Wigan Warrior Chris Tuson extends Castleford stay". BBC. 27 April 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  69. 1 2 "Ainscough joins Vikings". Sky Sports. 29 April 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  70. "Warriors charge past Giants". Sky Sports. 2 May 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  71. "Widnes Vikings 10–64 Wigan Warriors". BBC. 8 May 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  72. "Warriors win 12-try thriller". Sky Sports. 16 May 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  73. Barnett, Chris (22 May 2010). "Celtic Crusaders 26 Wigan Warriors 46: match report". The Telegraph. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  74. "Leeds beat Wigan to reach Challenge Cup semi-finals". BBC. 29 May 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  75. "Lockers receives caution". Wigan Evening Post. 4 May 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  76. Laybourne, Ian (6 May 2010). "Brown calls for tougher punishments". National Rugby League. Archived from the original on 9 May 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  77. "Wigan's Gleeson omitted over breach of club discipline". BBC. 17 May 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  78. "Tigers tamed by Wigan". Sky Sports. 6 June 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  79. "No regrets for Wigan Warriors' Sean O'Loughlin". BBC. 14 June 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  80. "Wakefield 6–48 Wigan". BBC. 13 June 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  81. Gardiner, Wayne (20 June 2010). "Wigan 24 St Helens 26: match report". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  82. "Custom Match List". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  83. Mairs, Gavin (3 June 2010). "Sale Sharks appoint Mick Hogan as new chief executive". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  84. "Mark Riddell to leave Wigan Warriors in winter". BBC. 30 June 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  85. "Catalans Dragons 16–34 Wigan". BBC. 4 July 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  86. "Warriors v Reds: Teams". Sky Sports. 8 July 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  87. "Wigan 16 Warrington 23: match report". The Daily Telegraph. 16 July 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  88. "Hull FC 0 Wigan Warriors 46: match report". The Daily Telegraph. 23 July 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  89. "Walters boosted by victory". Sky Sports. 24 July 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  90. "Leeds 12-26 Wigan | Super League match report". TheGuardian.com . 30 July 2010.
  91. "Two-match ban for Coley". Sky Sports. 6 July 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  92. "Wigan Warriors sign up eight academy graduates". BBC. 12 July 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  93. "Hoffman 'agrees' Wigan move". Sky Sports. 13 July 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  94. "Finch, Hoffman, Lima join Storm exodus". ABC. 19 July 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  95. "Tomkins avoids late tackle ban". The Bolton News. 21 July 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  96. "Wane to stay in charge at Wigan Warriors for Leeds game". BBC. 28 July 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  97. "Warriors to miss Mossop". Sky Sports. 10 August 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  98. Wilson, Andy (22 August 2010). "Sam Tomkins the hero as Wigan secure their first trophy in eight years". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  99. "Gareth Thomas named in Wales Rugby League squad". BBC. 3 August 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  100. "Wigan triumph in Carnegie Nines". Leeds Metropolitan University. 26 August 2010. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  101. "Riddell, Paleaaesina and Bailey to leave Wigan Warriors". BBC. 31 August 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  102. "Shaun Ainscough joins Bradford Bulls from Wigan". BBC. 30 August 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2011.
  103. 1 2 3 4 "Wigan Warriors 34–12 Bradford Bulls". BBC. 3 September 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  104. "League Table". Super League. Rugby Football League. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  105. "Wigan Warriors 26–27 Leeds Rhinos". BBC. 12 September 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  106. "Leeds Rhinos' Danny McGuire ruled out of play-offs". BBC. 13 September 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  107. "Deacon loses fitness race". Sky Sports. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  108. "Wigan 42-18 Hull KR". 17 September 2010.
  109. "St Helens opt for Huddersfield Giants in Club Call". BBC. 19 September 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  110. Wilson, Andy (25 September 2010). "Wigan end Leeds' Super League reign to set up St Helens showdown". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  111. "Kiwis call Super League duo". Sky Sports. 6 September 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  112. "Wigan's Stuart Fielden & Andy Coley sign new contracts". BBC. 7 September 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  113. "Wigan quartet in Dream Team". Sky Sports. 7 September 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  114. Wilson, Andy (20 December 2010). "Terry Newton's death 'may have been drugs warning to others' – coroner". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  115. 1 2 3 "St Helens share Grand Final victory record". Liverpool Echo. 2 October 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  116. "Too close to call". Sky Sports. 1 October 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  117. "Final thoughts". Sky Sports. 1 October 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  118. Slater, Gary (2 October 2010). "Wigan Warriors 22 St Helens 10: match report". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  119. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Lancaster, Rob (2 October 2010). "Warriors too good for Saints". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 5 October 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  120. Laybourne, Ian (5 October 2010). "Morley to captain England in Four Nations". Herald Sun. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  121. "Wigan's Pat Richards out with Achilles tendon tear". BBC. 3 October 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2011.