Latest news with #LeagueLeaders'Shield
BBC News
28-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wigan Warriors full-back Field signs new contract
Wigan Warriors full-back Jai Field has signed a new four-year deal at the reigning Super League 27-year-old joined Wigan from NRL side Parramatta Eels in 2021 but suffered an injury-hit start during his debut against Leigh went on to return later that year and had a breakthrough campaign in 2022, winning the Challenge Cup and going on to seal the Super League title in 2023 and a historic quadruple last term."I'm really pleased to be extending my stay here at Wigan. I'm very grateful to the club and the fans who have shown so much faith in me over the past few seasons," he said."I've enjoyed every minute of being here so far and looking forward to hopefully some more great memories here with this group and club."Field scored a second-half try in the 2022 Challenge Cup final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and was shortlisted for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award that went on to help Wigan to the League Leaders' Shield in successive seasons in 2023 and 2024, the latter of which saw him start the campaign by winning the World Club Challenge as the Cherry and Whites beat NRL Premiers Penrith who has made 89 appearances for Wigan and scored 57 tries, signs a contract for 2026 and 2027 with options for 2028 and 2029.
The Independent
28-02-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Wigan Warriors vs Warrington Wolves prediction: Champs to take Las Vegas by storm
It's a new dawn for rugby league as the Super League takes to Las Vegas this Saturday night for a thrilling, blockbuster clash between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves. This is one of the oldest and closest club rivalries in rugby league history with the two sides only separated by a 13-mile trip down the M6. They've played each other in 325 matches with the Warriors edging the head-to-head by quite a margin having won 188 times compared to Warrington's 126 victories. As usual, the two clubs provided two enthralling encounters in the Super League last season with Wigan clinching an 18-19 victory away from home thanks to a Harry Smith drop goal. The Warriors were 12-0 down after 20 minutes in that contest but tries from Junior Nsemba, Liam Marshall and Kruise Leeming, as well as Smith's drop goal sent them into the break 19-12 ahead and Warrington were unable to claw back the deficit. Things were wildly different in their second meeting as the Wolves romped to a 4-40 at the Brick Community Stadium, running in seven tries, including two each for Arron Lindop and Matty Ashton, as they handed Wigan a first home defeat in 18 matches and earned their biggest Super League winning margin in games against the Warriors. Much of the pre-season talk has been around Super League heading to Vegas for this week's match-up between Wigan and Warrington with punters able to make use of a range of markets available on betting apps. Wigan chief executive Kris Radlinski initiated talks with Australia's NRL, who host the games in the United States, and negotiated a deal to have one 'home' game played in Sin City this year. Once that deal was done the only thing left was to choose an opponent and Warrington are the ideal choice. Head coach Sam Burgess has overseen consecutive wins at the start of this Super League season with a 16-20 away win at Huddersfield Giants quickly followed by a testing 18-12 triumph over Catalan Dragons at home. In contrast, Wigan kicked off their season with a 0-1 loss at home to Leigh Leopards in a golden point match that signals the dramatic flair embodied by Matty Peet's side. They subsequently found form and smashed Hull FC 4-46 in their last outing. The clubs are next to each other in the table with Warrington sitting fourth and Wigan fifth and neither will be overawed by the flashing lights of the Vegas strip once the match gets going at the Allegiant Stadium. Despite this game being played at a neutral venue, rugby betting sites have Wigan as the favourites and you can get 21/50 on a Warriors win from Unibet and BetMGM while BoyleSports are offering a not-too-unreasonable 5/2 on Warrington to triumph in the United States. Warrington won't be fooled by the task they have in front of them though. Wigan won all four major honours in 2024 alone including the World Club Challenge, the League Leaders' Shield, the Betfred Super League Grand Final and the Betfred Challenge Cup, where they defeated the Wolves in the final at Wembley. They tend to perform well on the big stage and may want to put on a show in Vegas. As such we're predicting a high scoring outing with the Cherry and Whites coming out on top. Jai Field to continue good form With both squads unchanged and injury-free, backing up our thought process is the form of Wigan full-back Jai Field. The Australian performed admirably in the season opener against Leigh but came into his own with a hat-trick of tries in the demolition of Hull FC last time out. Prices vary on betting sites but you can get decent odds of 8/5 from Bet365 for him to cross the line anytime in the game while the likes of William Hill and BetVictor are offering him at 9/1 to be the first tryscorer. Alternatively, Warrington's Arran Lindop is in decent touch and Bet365 have him at 15/4 to score at anytime which may be worth a look. Please gamble responsibly When having a bet, it's vital to practice responsible gambling. Betting can be addictive and it's important to stay in control of your betting. Never treat gambling as a way to make money, never bet more than you can afford and when the fun stops, stop. Gambling sites offer punters tools, like deposit limits, profit and loss trackers and self-exclusion options, to help them stay in control. But if you ever feel like you need help or advice on gambling addiction, don't hesitate to contact one of the charities or organisations below.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Champions Wigan the hunted as Super League returns
It is testament to the way in which Wigan Warriors gathered up all four trophies in 2024 that Super League feels in a good place on the back of it. If the sport of rugby league in the northern hemisphere is as good as its elite clubs, then it is certainly on an upward curve. Wigan, of course, were the standard bearers and set the bar so high that not even three-times NRL champions Penrith could match it in the World Club Challenge. In securing that competition's trophy, and swiftly adding to it the Challenge Cup, League Leaders' Shield and the Super League title itself, Wigan even earned recognition as the BBC's Sports Personality Team of the Year. Whether it was the mesmerising skill of Bevan French, the aerodynamic finishing of Liam Marshall, or Junior Nsemba just running amok, Wigan were a highlights reel of success, led by their articulate and humble coach Matt Peet. Not much has changed at the Brick Community Stadium this off-season, as the team has been allowed to mature and develop. They will know that 11 other clubs are out to topple them, but there is a quiet confidence about this band of winners who are keen to match the achievements of their 1980s counterparts. As good as Wigan were, there were glimpses of the potential of their rivals to catch them in 2024, and the hunger will be prevalent, no doubt. Take Hull KR, for instance. Last year's beaten Grand Finalists left with a metaphorically bloodied nose, but they are back in 2025 with a harder edge. The signings of fearsome prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, spiky hooker Micky McIlorum, and goalkicking-machine Rhyse Martin offer experience, steel and a winning mentality. Sam Burgess enjoyed a superb first season as Warrington Wolves head coach, building a togetherness and team culture which turned frowns into smiles around the Halliwell Jones. They failed to deliver on the big stage when they lost the Challenge Cup final, and were squeezed out of the play-offs after a hard-fought tussle with Hull KR, but another season stronger and wiser should see them bounce back. Leeds Rhinos have been put under the pump by Brad Arthur, and by the evidence of prop Mikolaj Oledzki, it looks like the hard graft has made them sharp and lean. St Helens and Catalans Dragons will be under pressure to perform after mixed 2024 seasons, and both have recruited extensively in a bid to freshen things up. John Cartwright will lead the new era at Hull FC, where a glut of new players and the investment of new owners offers their long-suffering fans a promise of brighter times. Leigh Leopards and newly taken-over Salford Red Devils, who have both punched above their weight in recent seasons, will again be in the mix to challenge for the play-offs at least, while Wakefield Trinity's return to the top flight will be an interesting one to monitor. Huddersfield Giants have been wracked by injuries, which has given head coach Luke Robinson a few conundrums to consider as they head into the season. Completing the line-up are Castleford Tigers, whose new coach Danny McGuire was made fully aware of the task ahead for his side after their Challenge Cup exit against second-tier Bradford Bulls on Sunday. Domestic rugby league in the northern hemisphere is ready to go stateside in round three, when Warrington and Wigan take their match to Las Vegas as part of the Australian NRL's bid for the American market on 1 March. Officials from the elite competition were impressed by the British audience that made the trip for the inaugural event in 2024, and once Wigan chief executive Kris Radlinski pitched the concept of Super League involvement, the decision was made to partner up. England Women will also feature in the showpiece, taking on Australia's world champion Jillaroos at the Allegiant Stadium. Other highlights throughout the year include the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, 7 June, the Magic Weekend's return to Newcastle United's St James' Park in May, and the Grand Final at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, on Saturday, 11 October. It has not been signed off yet, but there will also hopefully be the Ashes Test series with Australia, who are expected on these shores in the autumn. The standard of recruitment throughout Super League has been impressive once again, and will add to the pantheon of talents to watch this coming campaign. In terms of stardom, Hull KR's capture of Waerea-Hargreaves is a genuine box-office signing. Even at 36 years of age, the powerhouse prop has an aura and a physicality that lays down the gauntlet for the rest of the league's forwards. Leigh's acquisition of David Armstrong feels like a potential 'signing of the season' contender, as the athletic 23-year-old full-back possesses rapid pace and no end of skill. Newcastle Knights wanted to keep him, but with Kalyn Ponga barring his path to the first-team, it was a case of letting him go. Tristan Sailor and Kyle Feldt bring serious NRL pedigree to St Helens, while the appointment of the much-admired former half-back Lee Briers on the coaching staff is another excellent coup. Catalans have brought in half-back Luke Keary, a three-time NRL title winner, among others to help steer them back to success after falling away from the top six last season. Can Brad Arthur get the right messages into Jake Connor following his arrival at Leeds? Some of the preseason evidence is the former England international is looking as sharp as he has done for some time. Tom Johnstone will be back in Wakefield colours in 2025, and while they are not new signings, the likes of Oli Pratt, Ky Rodwell and Caleb Uele are all untested at Super League level but have potential. Finally, a Burgess brother will again be running around in Super League after Tom Burgess opted for Huddersfield after ending his and the family's long association with South Sydney Rabbitohs. This will be the second year of the three-year deal to show selected Super League matches live on the BBC. St Helens versus Salford on Saturday, 15 February will be the first of 10 games shown on network television, with a further five on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport app. The BBC will also continue its Challenge Cup coverage, with games shown across platforms all the way from round one to the final at Wembley. Network television joins at the quarter-final stage. There is extensive network radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 5 Sports Extra, with four live games from across the opening weekend to kick-off the season, while the BBC's local radio stations will cover the game extensively. Highlights of every Super League game will be available on the BBC Sport website and app, as will match reports, stories and features throughout the season.
BBC News
13-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Champions Wigan the hunted as Super League returns
It is testament to the way in which Wigan Warriors gathered up all four trophies in 2024 that Super League feels in a good place on the back of the sport of rugby league in the northern hemisphere is as good as its elite clubs, then it is certainly on an upward of course, were the standard bearers and set the bar so high that not even three-times NRL champions Penrith could match it in the World Club securing that competition's trophy, and swiftly adding to it the Challenge Cup, League Leaders' Shield and the Super League title itself, Wigan even earned recognition as the BBC's Sports Personality Team of the it was the mesmerising skill of Bevan French, the aerodynamic finishing of Liam Marshall, or Junior Nsemba just running amok, Wigan were a highlights reel of success, led by their articulate and humble coach Matt much has changed at the Brick Community Stadium this off-season, as the team has been allowed to mature and will know that 11 other clubs are out to topple them, but there is a quiet confidence about this band of winners who are keen to match the achievements of their 1980s counterparts. Who will shine from the chasing pack? As good as Wigan were, there were glimpses of the potential of their rivals to catch them in 2024, and the hunger will be prevalent, no Hull KR, for instance. Last year's beaten Grand Finalists left with a metaphorically bloodied nose, but they are back in 2025 with a harder signings of fearsome prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, spiky hooker Micky McIlorum, and goalkicking-machine Rhyse Martin offer experience, steel and a winning Burgess enjoyed a superb first season as Warrington Wolves head coach, building a togetherness and team culture which turned frowns into smiles around the Halliwell failed to deliver on the big stage when they lost the Challenge Cup final, and were squeezed out of the play-offs after a hard-fought tussle with Hull KR, but another season stronger and wiser should see them bounce Rhinos have been put under the pump by Brad Arthur, and by the evidence of prop Mikolaj Oledzki, it looks like the hard graft has made them sharp and Helens and Catalans Dragons will be under pressure to perform after mixed 2024 seasons, and both have recruited extensively in a bid to freshen things up. John Cartwright will lead the new era at Hull FC, where a glut of new players and the investment of new owners offers their long-suffering fans a promise of brighter Leopards and newly taken-over Salford Red Devils, who have both punched above their weight in recent seasons, will again be in the mix to challenge for the play-offs at least, while Wakefield Trinity's return to the top flight will be an interesting one to Giants have been wracked by injuries, which has given head coach Luke Robinson a few conundrums to consider as they head into the the line-up are Castleford Tigers, whose new coach Danny McGuire was made fully aware of the task ahead for his side after their Challenge Cup exit against second-tier Bradford Bulls on Sunday. Eyeballs on the sport from around the world Domestic rugby league in the northern hemisphere is ready to go stateside in round three, when Warrington and Wigan take their match to Las Vegas as part of the Australian NRL's bid for the American market on 1 from the elite competition were impressed by the British audience that made the trip for the inaugural event in 2024, and once Wigan chief executive Kris Radlinski pitched the concept of Super League involvement, the decision was made to partner Women will also feature in the showpiece, taking on Australia's world champion Jillaroos at the Allegiant highlights throughout the year include the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, 7 June, the Magic Weekend's return to Newcastle United's St James' Park in May, and the Grand Final at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, on Saturday, 11 has not been signed off yet, but there will also hopefully be the Ashes Test series with Australia, who are expected on these shores in the autumn. Who to look out for in 2025? The standard of recruitment throughout Super League has been impressive once again, and will add to the pantheon of talents to watch this coming terms of stardom, Hull KR's capture of Waerea-Hargreaves is a genuine box-office signing. Even at 36 years of age, the powerhouse prop has an aura and a physicality that lays down the gauntlet for the rest of the league's acquisition of David Armstrong feels like a potential 'signing of the season' contender, as the athletic 23-year-old full-back possesses rapid pace and no end of Knights wanted to keep him, but with Kalyn Ponga barring his path to the first-team, it was a case of letting him Sailor and Kyle Feldt bring serious NRL pedigree to St Helens, while the appointment of the much-admired former half-back Lee Briers on the coaching staff is another excellent have brought in half-back Luke Keary, a three-time NRL title winner, among others to help steer them back to success after falling away from the top six last Brad Arthur get the right messages into Jake Connor following his arrival at Leeds? Some of the preseason evidence is the former England international is looking as sharp as he has done for some Johnstone will be back in Wakefield colours in 2025, and while they are not new signings, the likes of Oli Pratt, Ky Rodwell and Caleb Uele are all untested at Super League level but have a Burgess brother will again be running around in Super League after Tom Burgess opted for Huddersfield after ending his and the family's long association with South Sydney Rabbitohs. How will rugby league be covered on the BBC? This will be the second year of the three-year deal to show selected Super League matches live on the Helens versus Salford on Saturday, 15 February will be the first of 10 games shown on network television, with a further five on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport BBC will also continue its Challenge Cup coverage, with games shown across platforms all the way from round one to the final at Wembley. Network television joins at the quarter-final is extensive network radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 5 Sports Extra, with four live games from across the opening weekend to kick-off the season, while the BBC's local radio stations will cover the game of every Super League game will be available on the BBC Sport website and app, as will match reports, stories and features throughout the season.
The Independent
12-02-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
2025 Super League prediction, best bets & odds: Wigan Warriors good value for three-peat
The Super League returns on Thursday when Wigan Warriors take on Leigh Leopards at the Brick Community Stadium looking to continue their recent dominance of the competition. Wigan went five years without a title before clinching the top prize in 2023. They went on to achieve back-to-back titles in a remarkable season for the Cherry and Whites, and betting sites have priced them up as favourites for more glory in 2025. Hull Kingston Rovers were beaten by Wigan 9-2 in the Grand Final in October, and they will be looking to go one better this year, while Warrington Wolves, who finished just four points behind Wigan, will hope that experience will help them this time around. There have been plenty of comings and goings ahead of the 30th Super League season so it will be interesting to see who has the biggest impact this time around. 2025 Super League season predictions Head coach Matt Peet led Wigan to a clean sweep of all four major trophies in 2024 as they claimed the World Club Challenge, the Challenge Cup, the League Leaders' Shield and the Grand Final. Repeating that feat is going to be tough but rugby betting sites have them as favourites to retain the League Leaders' Shield at 11/8. St Helens, who finished sixth last season are second favourites at 4/1 and you can get 9/2 on Warrington Wolves and 11/2 on last season's Grand Final runners-up Hull Kingston Rovers. The installation of 2023 champions St Helens as second favourites has surprised many, but last season could have looked very different if they'd not struggled so much with injuries, especially in their forward pack. Bookmakers clearly believe a fully fit squad, plus the additions of Tristan Sailor (Brisbane Broncos) and wing duo Kyle Feldt (North Queensland Cowboys) and Lewis Murphy (Sydney Roosters) will mean Saints can push Wigan all the way. Betfred 2025 Super League Grand Final winner prediction It's hard to see beyond Wigan again for the Grand Final. As St Helens found, the key to success is keeping everyone fit, but with Jai Field and Bevan French in their side, it will be hard for anyone to get the better of them. The Warriors have won the Grand Final seven times and have been beaten in six other finals since 2000. Another win would put them just one behind St Helens who currently lead the all-time standings with nine titles. 2025 Super League Man of Steel prediction Hull KR and England half-back Mikey Lewis was named the 2024 Man of Steel after an excellent season, culminating in the Robins reaching their first Super League Grand Final. He benefitted largely from injury to Wigan star Bevan French who won the award the previous year and is the bookmaker's favourite to win it again in 2025, at 7/1. The Australian was named man of the match in the 2024 World Club Challenge win over Penrith Panthers. He scored a try in the 2024 Challenge Cup final and was awarded the Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match. He also picked up the Rob Burrow Man of the Match Award in the Grand Final after scoring the only try of the game. If French can stay fit this season, then we expect him to be crowned Man Of Steel for a second time in October. 2025 Super League prediction 3: Bevan French to be named Man of Steel - 7/1 Betfred 2025 Super League top try scorer predictions It's no surprise that betting apps are backing a Wigan player to be the leading try scorer as well, with last year's winner Liam Marshall 7/1 to top the charts again. He averaged just over a try a game last season and finished with 27 to his name, ahead of Warrington Wolves winger Matty Ashton who scored 21. With Warrington looking stronger this season, we're backing the 26-year-old to finish as leading try scorer at the end of the season. You can get 8/1 on Ashton or 16/1 on Mikey Lewis, who finished third last season with 19 tries. Please gamble responsibly When having a bet, it's vital to practice responsible gambling. Betting can be addictive and it's important to stay in control of your betting. Never treat gambling as a way to make money, never bet more than you can afford and when the fun stops, stop. Gambling sites offer punters tools, like deposit limits, profit and loss trackers and self-exclusion options, to help them stay in control. But if you ever feel like you need help or advice on gambling addiction, don't hesitate to contact one of the charities or organisations below.
