2009 Wigan Warriors season

This article is about the 2009 season of the Wigan Warriors in the Super League XIV and Challenge Cup.

2009 Wigan Warriors season
Super League XIV Rank	6th
Play-off result	Lost qualifying semi-final (St Helens R.F.C., 14–10)
Challenge Cup	Lost semi-final (Warrington Wolves, 26–39)
2009 record	Wins: 20; Draws: 0; Losses: 14
Points scored	For: 716; Against: 593
Team information
Chairman	Ian Lenagan
Head coach	Brian Noble
Captain	Sean O'Loughlin
Stadium	JJB Stadium
Avg. Attend.	13,695
High. Attend.	22,232 (St Helens RLFC, 9 April)
Top scorers
Tries	Pat Richards (23)
Goals	Pat Richards (102)
Points	Pat Richards (296)
< 2008 List of seasons 2010 >

Background

See also: History of Wigan Warriors

Following Brian Noble's move from the Bradford Bulls to the Wigan Warriors in 2006, his third full season at the club took place in 2009.[1] The season was also the first in which the Super League operated under a franchise system, after the Wigan Warriors were granted a 'B' license.[2] The salary cap, which the club broke in 2007,[3] was still in effect for this season, and the limit remained at GBP£1.7 million;[4] the cap was maintained 'live', in continuation of an operational change by the Rugby Football League in 2008.[5] As an ever-present club in the Super League format, this season was the Wigan Warriors' fourteenth year in the competition.[6] This year also marked the tenth anniversary of rugby league at the JJB Stadium, after the club moved there upon the stadium's completion in 1999.[7]

In contrast to the club's historical success,[8] Wigan Warriors had not won a major trophy since 2002, when they defeated St Helens R.F.C. 12–21 in the Challenge Cup final.[9] They had only won the Super League title once, in 1998.[8] In the previous season the Wigan Warriors finished fourth in the league table meaning they qualified for the play-offs,[10] and after defeating Bradford Bulls and Catalans Dragons,[11][12] the club fell short of the 2008 Super League Grand Final after losing to Leeds Rhinos at Headingley for the second year running.[13]

Pre-season

Trent Barrett.

Following their knock-out at the hands of Leeds, the task of acquiring new players began. 2008 was influential stand-off Trent Barrett's last season for the Warriors, after he signed for the Cronulla Sharks for the 2009 National Rugby League (NRL) season;[14] Barrett himself insisted that Tim Smith could replace him, after Smith was released by Parramatta Eels following an episode of bipolar disorder.[15][16] It was also to be the last season for Liam Colbon and Mark Calderwood, who both transferred away from the club.[17] An attempt to sign the Canberra Raiders' Todd Carney ended after Huddersfield Giants signed him instead.[18] The club prevented a possible cross-code transfer with George Carmont to rugby union by extending his contract.[19] Wigan eventually signed their first new player with former Sydney Roosters player Amos Roberts, who was released from his contract a year prematurely,[20] but lost another player to the Warrington Wolves in Mickey Higham.[21] Joel Tomkins, a Wigan Warriors Youth Development product, also extended his contract until the end of the 2011 season.[22] Rumours about a move for Ryan McGoldrick ended after he publicly ruled out any possible transfer.[23] The question over Barrett's successor in the stand-off position was again raised when Tim Smith, who was on holiday in his native Australia at the time, approached the Cronulla Sharks seeking a return to the NRL, although the club did not pursue any deal with Smith and he therefore stayed at Wigan for the 2009 season.[24] Greg Bird, who had been suspended by Cronulla Sharks for an alleged assault on his girlfriend was also cited by The Independent as a target for the Warriors, but any plans of a transfer were initially denied by the club's chairman, Ian Lenagan.[25] On 30 January 2009, Lenagan confirmed it was unlikely there would be any more signings for the new season, having acquired two new players (Amos Roberts and Mark Riddell), after attempts to sign Richard Moore from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats failed.[26]

Thomas Leuluai playing for New Zealand during the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

The 2008 Rugby League World Cup was held in Australia during the off-season, and several Wigan players from the 2008 season were involved in matches concerning their own international teams. Pat Richards, Eamon O'Carroll and Michael McIlorum were called by the Irish team, with Paul Prescott missing out due to a back injury.[27] Carmont and Harrison Hansen were selected for the Samoan national team.[28] Stuart Fielden was omitted from the England squad but Calderwood, Higham and Gareth Hock all received places.[29] Thomas Leuluai became the only Super League player from the 2008 season to win the World Cup when the New Zealand team he played hooker for defeated the Australian team 20–34 in the final.[30][31]

Wigan played three friendly matches after the World Cup, the first being a 4–44 victory over Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium during the traditional festive season, in which Riddell and Karl Pryce both made their first-team debuts.[32] The Warriors played in a changed pink and black-hooped jersey in support of a local hospice, as Sam Tomkins completed a twenty-minute hat-trick, Richard Mathers and Pryce scored a double each, and Shaun Ainscough and Joel Tomkins also picked up one try apiece.[32] The next match against Huddersfield Giants proved to be more difficult, as Carmont scored a last-minute try to hand Wigan a narrow victory at the Galpharm Stadium, with Riddell scoring two tries and Fielden being sin-binned in the first half.[33] On the official opening on the new Leigh Sports Village and a week before the new Super League season began, the Warriors whitewashed their local rivals Leigh Centurions by 0–32 with a squad in which both new signings, Roberts and Riddell, were left out of.[34]

Amos Roberts, one of two pre-season signings made by Wigan.

LEGEND
	Win
	Draw
	Loss

Opponent	Score	H/A	Date
Warrington Wolves	4–44	Away	28 December 2008
Huddersfield Giants	24–28	Away	25 January 2009
Leigh Centurions	0–32	Away	30 January 2009

Season review

See also: 2009 Super League season results

February

Round 17 – Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Date: 8 February Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: R Silverwood Half-time: 0–10 Attendance: 14,377 RFL report WIGAN 6–12 Wakefield Tries: J Tomkins Tries: D Halley (2) Goals: P Richards Goals: T Martin (2)

Wigan's season began on 8 February with a home defeat to a depleted Wakefield Trinity Wildcats side which only had seventeen players to fill their squad with due to injuries, and the death of Adam Watene during the off-season.[35] Head coach Brian Noble blamed the result on a poor completion rate of 40%.[35] Wakefield took an early lead after Dave Halley crossed the line in the first minute, before scoring again via the same player in the fourteenth minute to make a 0–12 initiative, following two successful conversions by Tony Martin.[35] Joel Tomkins was introduced into the game in the second half as he scored a try which was converted by Pat Richards, but Wigan failed to score again. Richard Mathers, who was sent-off twice in 2008,[36] was put into the sin-bin by the referee, Richard Silverwood, for the deliberate obstruction of Halley, and match ended in the first defeat for Wigan in their 2009 campaign.[35]

Round 1 – Hull FC
Date: 13 February Venue: KC Stadium Referee: P Bentham Half-time: 6–6 Attendance: 14,523 RFL report Hull FC 18–10 WIGAN Tries: R Horne, P Cusack, L Radford Tries: P Richards, P Bailey Goals: D Tickle (3) Goals: P Richards

Prior to their next match, the Warriors announced a partnership with the University of Central Lancashire, as part of an effort to promote rugby league in the Preston area, in exchange for the student team at the university displaying the Wigan Warriors logo.[37] This news was announced on the same day Mathers learned he would miss the next two matches for tripping Halley,[38] including the club's next match against Hull F.C. which they lost at the KC Stadium.[39] Hull FC started strongly, but Wigan scored first off a Tim Smith kick to Goulding and Phelps which eventually resulted in a try for Bailey.[39] Richard Horne scored for Hull to level the scores at 6–6 before a last resort intervention from Kirk Yeaman denied Goulding a try.[39] The scores were therefore level at half-time, and a kick from Smith resulted in another try for Richards who bettered his opposite winger, Mark Calderwood in the air.[39] With four key players missing—Riddell, Phelps, Bailey and Richards—due to injury, Wigan tired in the final quarter allowing Chris Thorman and Peter Cusack to score late in the game to put the tie beyond the visiting team.[39]

Round 2 – Castleford Tigers
Date: 20 February Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: S Ganson Half-time: 6–16 Attendance: 12,079 RFL report WIGAN 22–28 Castleford Tries: K Pryce, D Goulding, S Ainscough, T Leuluai, J Tomkins Tries: M Shenton, K Dixon, B Ferres (2), J Westerman Goals: A Roberts Goals: K Dixon (4)

With Mathers suspended and Cameron Phelps injured with a hamstring injury and two other injury concerns, Karl Pryce and Shaun Ainscough were given places in the initial 19-man squad to take on Castleford Tigers.[40] A third defeat out of three matches came as Castleford won a ten try game 22–28, a result which meant Wigan's worst start to a season in twenty-four years.[41] With Richards still missing due to injury, conversions proved to be the difference as both teams scored five tries apiece, but kickers Roberts and Riddell could only manage one successful kick whilst the Tigers' kicker Kirk Dixon managed four. Two disallowed Castleford tries in the first ten minutes were followed by two penalty goals by Dixon to give Castleford a 0–4 lead.[41] Thomas Leuluai's effort gave Wigan a try before Joe Westerman put the Tigers ahead again after 34 minutes.[41] Castleford scored again through Brett Ferres, with Dixon converting to give Castleford a 6–16 lead at half-time.[41] Wigan scored first after the break thanks to a try from Karl Pryce, but this was unconverted and Castleford replied with two more of their own with Dixon and Ferres scoring his second try.[41] Wigan started a fight back, initially through a Goulding try, and then again through Joel Tomkins.[41] Ainscough marked his debut with a fifty-yard try to reduce the deficit to two points, but Michael Shenton's try sealed the victory for Castleford.[41] Michael McIlorum was also cited and suspended by the Rugby Football League after the game for a dangerous throw on Mitchell Sargent.[42] After failing to gain a point from the first three matches in the season, Noble's position as head coach was strengthened when Ian Lenagan publicly supported him, stating, "Brian is a very experienced coach and I'm sure we'll get this right. He has had bad starts to the season before, and he has good starts."[43]

Round 3 – Harlequins Rugby League
Date: 28 February Venue: Twickenham Stoop Referee: T Alibert Half-time: 10–6 Attendance: 3,883 RFL report Harlequins RL 18–24 WIGAN Tries: C Melling, M Gafa, C Randall, L McCarthy-Scarsbrook Tries: A Roberts, P Bailey, G Carmont, S Ainscough (2) Goals: D Orr Goals: P Richards (2)

Wigan recorded their first win of the season with an 18–24 victory over Harlequins RL at the Twickenham Stoop in London.[44] Ainscough scored his first of two tries after a break from Roberts down the wing, and it was converted by Richards who was playing at fullback as a replacement for Mathers who was omitted from the squad.[44] Chad Randall punished Joel Tomkins' handling error for Harlequins' first try before Matt Gafa scored another try for the home side to make the half-time score 10–6.[44] On his Super League debut, Sam Tomkins—Joel's younger brother—was involved in the build-up to Carmont's try after the second half had begun, and Bailey scored another try to put Wigan 10–14 ahead following two missed conversion attempts.[44] A disallowed try for a knock-on by Will Sharp was followed by a knock-on from Carmont, before a 40-20 gave Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook a chance to score a try in the 64th minute.[44] Chris Melling restored a four-point lead for the home side with ten minutes left in the game after Harrison Hansen knocked-on.[44] In the 75th minute, Randall's pass was intercepted by Roberts for an easy intercept try which Richards converted to give a two-point lead, which was increased to six as Ainscough scored the final try of the game.[44]

March

Round 4 – Bradford Bulls
Date: 7 March Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: B Thaler Half-time: 18–0 Attendance: 12,588 RFL report WIGAN 44–10 Bradford Tries: P Richards G Carmont I Palea'aesina G Hock (2) H Hansen (2) Goals: P Richards (8) Tries: R Sheriffe S Menzies Goals: P Deacon

The start of March was also the start of the reserve team's season, which begin with a comfortable win against Bradford Bulls.[45] Richards scored twenty points including eight goals and a try as the first team earned their first home victory of the season, winning by a margin of thirty-four points.[46] Richards scored the first of seven Wigan tries after nine minutes, before Hock broke the defensive line to put Wigan 12–0 ahead.[46] Another line break from Hock provided an offload to Carmont who scored a third try.[46] A twenty-point gap emerged as Richards kicked a penalty conceded by Paul Sykes, before Bradford scored their first of two tries through Rikki Sheriffe after 48 minutes.[46] Hock replied by scoring his second try, before a line break by Riddell handed a try to Harrison Hansen.[46] Wayne Godwin broke his leg after stopping an Iafeta Palea'aesina run, before Palea'aesina himself scored Wigan's final try.[46] Steve Menzies scored his first Bradford try before the match ended.[46]

Round 5 – Leeds Rhinos
Date: 13 March Venue: Headingley Stadium Referee: I Smith Half-time: 22–6 Attendance: 17,677 RFL report Leeds 34–10 WIGAN Tries: S Donald R Hall (2) R Burrow K Leuluai J Peacock Goals: K Sinfield (5) Tries: S Ainscough G Hock Goals: P Richards

Wigan's run of victories was short-lived as they lost the away tie to Leeds Rhinos immediately after. An unchanged Wigan side from the tie against Bradford could only score two tries, conceding six the other way.[47] The victory was the Rhinos' fifth out of five matches, and they were ahead after three minutes thanks to a 40–20 which was converted into a try by Kylie Leuluai.[47] An error from Ainscough proved costly as Scott Donald scored from the resulting turnover.[47] Upon the half-hour mark, Leeds were 22–0 ahead after Rob Burrow touched down under the sticks and another 40–20 provided a try, this time for Ryan Hall.[47] Ainscough scored Wigan's first try following a pass from Thomas Leuluai, before Wigan were disallowed another try after the video referee Phil Bentham ruled Sean O'Loughlin had obstructed Burrow.[47] Hall scored his second, besting Roberts in the air, after fifty minutes.[47] Peacock scored Leeds' sixth try, bursting through the defensive line, whilst Hock scored the last try of the game.[47]

Round 6 – Salford City Reds
Date: 20 March Venue: The Willows Referee: G Hewer Half-time: 6–22 Attendance: 7,016 RFL report Salford 12–38 WIGAN Tries: R Myler (2) Goals: J Turner S Ratchford Tries: P Richards S Ainscough (2) S Tomkins (2) T Leuluai (2) Goals: P Richards (5)

An away tie to Salford City Reds was more favourable for Wigan as they eased to victory at The Willows.[48] Salford had the first major chance of the game as a kick from the 18-year-old Richie Myler was knocked-on by Jeremy Smith.[48] Carmont replied, catching an offload from former-Salford player Andy Coley, to hand a try to Ainscough.[48] Myler again created an opportunity, but Karl Fitzpatrick was pushed into touch.[48] A break via Ainscough and Riddell gave Leuluai a try, before Myler scored Salford's first try following a kick from Jeremy Smith.[48] Sam Tomkins saw a hole in the defensive line and ran through it, scoring Wigan's third try, before Richards scored a fourth to make the half-time score 22–6.[48] Wigan scored first again in the second half as Sam Tomkins scored from the half-way line, before Ainscough scored his second.[48] Myler and Jeremy Smith again combined for the former's second try, this time from a pass, but Richards sealed the game for Wigan after offloading to Leuluai for his second and Wigan's seventh try.[48] The win was dampened by the injury of Ireland international Eamon O'Carroll, who fractured his metatarsal bone during the reserve game against Salford.[49]

Round 7 – Huddersfield Giants
Date: 27 March Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: P Bentham Half-time: 4–10 Attendance: 11,670 RFL report WIGAN 8–22 Huddersfield Tries: A Roberts P Bailey Tries: M Lawrence K Brown S Moore Goals: B Hodgson (5)

In a game that was 8–10 going into the final ten minutes, and had three players sent to the sin-bin, Wigan lost their third home game.[50] Amos Roberts returned after being dropped to the reserves the week before, whilst the visiting Huddersfield team contained five former Wigan players.[50] Brett Hodgson gave Huddersfield the initiative by kicking a penalty for a 0–2 lead, and Hock almost responded but knocked-on in the act of scoring a try.[50] Bailey eventually scored a try for Wigan, but Richards failed to convert, and the score was made level after another kicked penalty from Brett Hodgson.[50] Scott Moore gave Huddersfield the lead again after a run from dummy half to give a 4–10 lead, despite a take-out on Leuluai just before half-time which went unpenalised.[50] Luke Robinson was sin-binned for delaying play and Roberts almost made the advantage count, but grounded the ball in touch and the try was disallowed.[50] Darrell Griffin and Hansen were then sin-binned for a fight, before passing along the backs lead to a Roberts try, but Richards again failed to convert.[50] Ainscough then fumbled a kick from Robinson, and Michael Lawrence punished the mistake by scoring a try for Huddersfield.[50] Brown scored minutes later to put the game beyond Wigan.[50]

April

Challenge Cup Round 4 – Barrow Raiders
Date: 5 April Venue: Craven Park Referee: J Leahy Half-time: 14–20 Attendance: 6,275 RFL report Barrow 20–32 WIGAN Tries: J Finch J Nixon L Campbell Goals: P Noone (4) Tries: S Ainscough (3) G Carmont (2) K Pryce S Tomkins Goals: M Riddell A Roberts

The fourth round of the 2009 Challenge Cup occupied the first weekend of April, and for all Super League clubs this meant their first Challenge Cup ties. In March, Wigan learned that they would face an away tie to the Barrow Raiders, and it was expected this match would be held in front of the first sell-out crowd at Barrow's Craven Park for twenty-five years.[51][52] The game itself was still in the balance fifteen minutes from time, with Barrow trailing Wigan by four points at 20–24, following a match which had seen a Shaun Ainscough hat-trick and Wigan's defensive frailties exploited again.[53] The result pivoted on a forward pass decision which ruled out another Barrow try, minutes before Pryce scored a controversial try for Wigan in which he appeared to have knocked-on, with twelve minutes left to play.[53] A try from Tomkins eventually sealed the win for Wigan to advance them into the fifth round of the competition.[53]

Round 8 – St Helens RLFC
Date: 9 April Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: B Thaler Half-time: 6–6 Attendance: 22,232 RFL report WIGAN 12–19 St Helens Tries: S Ainscough (2) Goals: A Roberts (2) Tries: M Gidley L Pryce K Cunningham Goals: P Wellens K Eastmond (2) Drops: K Eastmond

On the day after, it was confirmed Martin Gleeson would transfer to Wigan from the Warrington Wolves, on a three and a half-year contract.[54] The signing came after Warrington had left Gleeson out of the squad which defeated York City Knights in their fourth round Cup tie, meaning Gleeson would be eligible to play for Wigan in future Cup games.[55] Wigan were reported by the Wigan Evening Post to have spent GB£110,000 and given Richie Mathers in return for Gleeson.[56] On the day after Gleeson's signing was announced, the draw for the Challenge Cup's fifth round took place. Wigan received an away tie to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.[57]

Gleeson featured in the first derby match of the year against St Helens RLFC. Ainscough put the home Wigan side ahead after nine minutes with a try on the wing, following a kick from Leuluai.[58] Richards missed the conversion, and so Wigan only went four points ahead before St Helens replied with a try of their own through Keiron Cunningham, with Paul Wellens making the conversion.[58] Hock had a try disallowed for a double movement, and later on a high tackle on Paleaaesina gave Roberts an opportunity to level the scores, with which he succeeded to draw the score at 6–6 at half time.[58] Ainscough again carved out a lead for Wigan in the second half, and Roberts converted from the sideline.[58] Two quick St Helens tries through Matt Gidley and Leon Pryce gave the visitors a 12–18 lead, and a Kyle Eastmond drop goal sealed the match for them.[58]

Prior to their next match, Barrow Raiders confirmed that they had signed Lee Mossop on a month-long loan.[59]

Round 9 – Catalans Dragons
Date: 13 April Venue: Stade Gilbert Brutus Referee: P Bentham Half-time: 22–14 Attendance: 9,490 RFL report Catalans 40–24 WIGAN Tries: C Greenshields (2) D Pelo G Bird J Ryles (2) G Mounis Goals: T Bosc (6) Tries: P Richards A Roberts M Gleeson S Ainscough S Tomkins Goals: P Richards (2)

Despite providing a close fight against St Helens, the club's visit to Perpignan for their away tie against Catalans Dragons ended in its third consecutive loss. The Dragons scored first through Dimitri Pelo's try in the second minute.[60] Wigan scored fourteen points in return, with three tries from Roberts, Ainscough and Gleeson and one conversion for a 4–14 lead.[60] A ten-point lead proved precarious as Catalans ran in thirty-six unanswered points, the first of them coming through a Greg Bird try.[60] Grégory Mounis scored next, and Thomas Bosc kicked the conversion to give the home side the lead, and Jason Ryles gained another try before half-time.[60] The Catalans fullback Clint Greenshields scored first after the break and also scored the next try.[60] Ryles also scored a second try of his own to open a twenty-six-point deficit.[60] Tomkins and Richards gave Wigan two late tries, but the match by then was all but finished.[60]

Similarly to Mossop, Darrell Goulding completed a transfer to Salford City Reds on a month-long loan deal.[61] After an extension to this deal in May, Goulding was to be eventually recalled on 7 July to cope with an injury crisis.[61][62]

Round 10 – Celtic Crusaders
Date: 19 April Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: S Ganson Half-time: 20–4 Attendance: 12,371 RFL report WIGAN 44–10 Celtic Tries: A Roberts G Carmont P Richards (2) M Riddell S O'Loughlin (2) S Tomkins (2) Goals: A Roberts (2) P Richards (2) Tries: L Dyer M Dalle Cort Goals: J Van Dijk

The club's next match was against newly promoted Crusaders, who had not won a match yet in the Super League season coming into this fixture.[63] Celtic led after two minutes, when Luke Dyer pounced for a try after Phelps mistakenly let the ball bounce into the in-goal area.[63] Richards replied with a try on the wing, before O'Loughlin gathered his own kick for a solo try to present a lead to the home Wigan side.[63] Two more tries came for Wigan before half-time with Riddell and Roberts both scoring one each.[63] Sam Tomkins scored not long after the break thanks to a run from Palea'asesina.[63] Carmont stretched the lead further with a try of his own, and O'Loughlin scored his second try of the match.[63] Damien Quinn was sin-binned in his 100th competitive appearance for the Crusaders—Marshall Chalk was also sin-binned later on.[63][64] Richards claimed his second try almost instantly after Quinn's dismissal.[63] Mark Dalle Cort scored a late Celtic try and captain Jace Van Dijk successfully converted, but Wigan had another try before the game ended, with Sam Tomkins grounding his second try of the match—his team's ninth—to complete a convincing victory for the home side.[63]

Transfer news occupied the break between this win and the Warriors' second league match against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. The Wigan Evening Post reported that the club, as well as Leeds Rhinos, were interested in signing Richie Myler from Salford City Reds,[65] although neither club were successful in their approaches to the player. Warrington Wolves would eventually sign Myler later in the year.[66] Meanwhile, Thomas Leuluai extended his contract with the club for a further three years.[67]

Round 11 – Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Date: 26 April Venue: Belle Vue Referee: B Thaler Half-time: 20–22 Attendance: 5,521 RFL report Wakefield 26–40 WIGAN Tries: D Blanch (2) D Brough (2) Goals: D Brough (5) Tries: M Gleeson C Phelps (2) S Ainscough (4) Goals: P Richards (6)

George Carmont had to be replaced at short notice prior to kick-off against the club's next opponents, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. Shaun Ainscough was recalled to take his place in the team, and scored four tries to give his side a second consecutive win.[68] Wakefield, like Celtic, put the first points on the scoreboard after Damien Blanch received a kick from Danny Brough for a try on the wing, with Brough converting for a 6–0 lead.[68] Tim Smith linked with Cameron Phelps, who was switched from fullback to center in Carmont's absence, for Wigan's first try.[68] Phelps turned provider as his work gave Ainscough two tries in nine minutes for a 6–16 lead, before Wigan's indiscipline gave Brough a penalty and a try following a handling error from the stand-in fullback, Pat Richards.[68] Ainscough scored again on the wing to complete his hat-trick, but Wakefield replied after Brough intercepted a pass from Martin Gleeson and returned 45 metres for his second try to make the scores 20–22 at half time.[68] Wakefield took the lead shortly after the break as Blanch took advantage of Ainscough's weak defence for his second try.[68] This was Wakefield's last try of the match, as Phelps gathered a kick from Smith to score a try next to the posts which Richards converted successfully.[69] Riddell was injured with a hamstring, and despite Wakefield pressure, Wigan scored again as a run from Sam Tomkins led to another try for Ainscough—his sixteenth in ten matches.[68][69] Gleeson scored in the final ten minutes to put the game beyond the home side's reach.[69]

May

Round 12 – St Helens RLFC
Date: 2 May Venue: Murrayfield Stadium Referee: S Ganson Half-time: 24–6 Attendance: 29,627 RFL report WIGAN 38–18 St Helens Tries: P Richards (2) T Leuluai G Hock S O'Loughlin J Tomkins Goals: P Richards (7) Tries: P Wellens L Pryce S Long Goals: S Long (2) K Eastmond

Ahead of their 2009 Magic Weekend fixture against St Helens RLFC, Thomas Leuluai learned that he would not be called up to play in the 2009 ANZAC Test, news which was welcomed by Brian Noble, who stated that New Zealand had, "enough southern hemisphere-based Kiwis to cope."[70] Leuluai instead took membership of a Wigan side which recorded its third successive league win at Murrayfield Stadium over a St Helens RLFC side including James Graham, who had complained earlier in the week about the event's location being too far away.[71] Wigan had lost to St Helens at the Magic Weekend event in 2007 and 2008, 34–18 and 57–16 respectively, but it was Wigan's captain Sean O'Loughlin who scored the game's first try after seven minutes.[72] Pat Richards scored the match's second try following a kick from O'Loughlin, and added both conversions to give Wigan a 12–0 lead.[72] This was further extended after Gareth Hock scored after 29 minutes.[72] Sean Long gained a try back for St Helens as his grubber kick rebounded off Leuluai, before a break from Sam Tomkins fed his older brother Joel for a try just before half time.[72] Two minutes after the break, Wigan kicked a penalty to stretch the lead to 26–6, and Wigan ended any hope of a St Helens comeback as Leuluai scored following a break down the wing from Richards.[72] St Helens scored the next two tries through Leon Pryce and Paul Wellens, with Long kicking both conversions, but Richards scored his second try and kicked the conversion to take his personal haul to twenty-two, and end the match 38–18.[72] With Noble's contract due to expire at the end of the season, Ian Lenagan praised him for Wigan's biggest derby win in six years over St Helens, but refused to offer any assurances about Noble's future at the club, after Bradford Bulls refuted a claim that they wanted to replace Steve McNamara with Noble.[73]

Challenge Cup Round 5 – Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Date: 9 May Venue: Belle Vue Referee: P Bentham Half-time: 11–16 Attendance: 4,883 RFL report Wakefield 17–28 WIGAN Tries: J Demetriou T Leo-Latu T Martin Goals: D Brough (3) Drops: D Brough Tries: G Carmont M McIlorum C Phelps S Fielden S Tomkins Goals: P Richards (4)

For the next match, the players again returned to Belle Vue, two weeks after their league win. The Wakefield Trinity Wildcats were coached by John Kear, twice a winner of the Cup as a head coach, most recently in 2005 with Hull FC,[74] and in 1998 when his Sheffield Eagles side defeated Wigan 17–8 in the final,[74] three years after Wigan's last of a record eight consecutive Challenge Cup final victories.[75] The match did not start in Wigan's favour, as Danny Brough provided passes to Jason Demetriou and Tevita Leo-Latu, and kicked a conversion to give the Wildcats a 10–0 lead.[76] Wigan went in ahead at half time though. Wigan got their first points with a try on the wing from Richards, and then another try from Michael McIlorum following a Gareth Hock pass.[76] Brough kicked a drop-goal to give Wakefield a point lead, but Cameron Phelps scored a third Wigan try after Sean O'Loughlin broke the line from his own half.[76] Wakefield went ahead for the third time twelve minutes after the break, with a grubber kick from Brough being gathered by Tony Martin.[76] Stuart Fielden then scored his first try in two years before Sam Tomkins finished the game with a try of his own making.[76] The fourth goal of the match meant the final scores were 17–28; a win for Wigan which advanced them to the quarter-finals.[76] The day after, the draw for the next round to be played three weeks later was made, with Wigan receiving a home tie against Salford City Reds.[77]

Round 13 – Hull Kingston Rovers
Date: 15 May Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: R Silverwood Half-time: 6–6 Attendance: 13,415 RFL report WIGAN 12–20 Hull KR Tries: S O'Loughlin (2) Tries: J Webster, P Cooke, M Dobson Goals: P Richards (2) Goals: M Dobson (4)

Following a run of four games, the club's next match was against Hull Kingston Rovers. Their preparations were boosted by news that Sam Tomkins would not receive a match ban for his conduct against Wakefield in the Challenge Cup tie.[78] Goulding extended his loan spell at Salford City Reds, but with a condition that Wigan could recall him with 24 hours notice.[79] The match seemed to be heading towards a 6–0 lead for Wigan at half-time, after Sean O'Loughlin scored a try and Richards kicked a goal, but a controversial try scored by Michael Dobson after the hooter had sounded was awarded by the referee, Richard Silverwood.[80] Incensed, Wigan started the second half with another converted try from the captain, O'Loughlin, but this was to be their final score of the match.[80] Paul Cooke collected his own kick for a solo try, and Jake Webster put Hull KR into the lead, with Dobson kicking both goals for a six-point advantage.[80] A late penalty was kicked by Dobson for another two ponts, concluding the match in favour of Hull KR. The match ended Wigan's run of four victories, and placed Hull KR temporarily at the top of the Super League XIV table.[80]

Round 14 – Warrington Wolves
Date: 22 May Venue: Halliwell Jones Stadium Referee: B Thaler Half-time: 4–6 Attendance: 10,718 RFL report Warrington 16–8 WIGAN Tries: C Riley, M King, M Monaghan Tries: C Phelps Goals: C Bridge (2) Goals: P Richards (2)

Following his loan spell at Barrow, Lee Mossop transferred to Huddersfield Giants on a month-long loan.[81] Prior to Wigan's next match against Warrington Wolves, Noble, whose contract at Wigan was due to expire at the end of 2009, publicly admitted that he was becoming impatient with the lack of an offer from the club to extend his contract, after reports in the Sydney Morning Herald linked him to a coaching role at Sydney Roosters.[82] Wigan had not won a game in Warrington since 2003, and despite leading for over half the match, failed to break this record.[83] Warrington successfully charged down two kicks, before a kick from Thomas Leuluai on the third set of six tackles lead to Cameron Phelps scoring the match's opening try.[83] Poor discipline from Ben Westwood gave a penalty, and Wigan almost took advantage when Joel Tomkins was held up over the try-line in the act of scoring by former Wigan full-back, Richie Mathers.[83] Wigan again launched the next attack after forcing a goal line drop out, but a try from Amos Roberts was disallowed because of a knock-on by Pat Richards.[83] Warrington then applied a sustained twenty minute period of pressure, but errors from Westwood and Briers kept them off the scoresheet.[83] Briers weighted his next kick better, with Matt King out-jumping Shaun Ainscough to score Warrington's first try.[83] Bridge's missed conversion meant that Wigan lead 6–4 at half-time, and a penalty kicked by Richards early in the second half meant that this lead was increased by two points.[83] Warrington gained the lead after 55 minutes after Chris Riley punished Stuart Fielden and Andy Coley for giving away successive penalties with a try in the corner.[83] Michael Monaghan shimmied past three Wigan defenders to finish the game off with another Warrington try.[83]

Challenge Cup Quarter-final – Salford City Reds
Date: 29 May Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: T Alibert Half-time: 10–6 Attendance: 9,466 RFL report WIGAN 28–6 Salford Tries: G Hock (2), P Richards (3) Tries: L Adamson Goals: P Richards 4 Goals: J Wilshere

Tim Smith had been left out of the tie against Warrington owing to a family illness, and did not return from his home country, Australia, in time for Wigan's Challenge Cup tie against Salford City Reds, but George Carmont returned from injury.[84] Fielden was also forced to miss the game, after receiving a one-match ban for raising a knee in a tackle during the defeat to Warrington.[85] Without Smith and Fielden, Wigan comprehensively beat Salford City Reds 28–6 to advance to the semi-finals stage of the tournament.[86] Gareth Hock gave the home side the lead, before Salford equalised with a try from Luke Adamson.[86] Wigan replied by taking the lead with a George Carmont try, and could have scored again after Hock broke the line, but Sam Tomkins knocked-on.[86] Another knock-on, this time from Richards, denied Wigan another try.[86] Salford launched repeated attacks on the Wigan line early in the second half, through Mark Henry and Stefan Ratchford, before Willie Talau was pushed into touch by Sam Tomkins.[86] A penalty from Richards added two more points to Wigan's total, and he soon scored his second try, followed by his third on 70 minutes for his second hat-trick in a Wigan jersey.[86] Hock scored the final try, his second, after Tomkins had come close, to finish the game in favour of the Warriors.[86] Wigan therefore entered their first Challenge Cup semi-final since 2007, when they were defeated by Catalans Dragons at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington,[87] and it was Warrington Wolves who were drawn as their 2009 semi-final opponents.[88]

June

Round 15 – Salford City Reds
Date: 5 June Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: I Smith Half-time: 28–6 Attendance: 11,550 RFL report WIGAN 34–18 Salford Tries: G Carmont P Richards (2) T Smith M Riddell H Hansen Goals: P Richards (5) Tries: M Henry M Alker L Swain Goals: J Wilshere

Round 16 – Celtic Crusaders
Date: 13 June Venue: Brewery Field Referee: S Ganson Half-time: 12–6 Attendance: 5,253 RFL report Celtic 22–16 WIGAN Tries: M Dalle Cort J Van Dijk P Lupton Goals: M Lennon (3) Tries: A Roberts C Phelps H Hansen Goals: P Richards (2)

Round 18 – Hull Kingston Rovers
Date: 28 June Venue: New Craven Park Referee: T Alibert Half-time: 16–14 Attendance: 9,007 RFL report Hull KR 28–36 WIGAN Tries: P Fox (2) J Webster M Vella D Fitzhenry Goals: M Dobson (4) Tries: P Bailey (2) G Carmont P Richards (2) H Hansen S Tomkins Goals: P Richards (4)

July

Round 19 – Harlequins RL
Date: 3 July Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: S Ganson Half-time: 24–6 Attendance: 14,977 RFL report WIGAN 40–12 Harlequins RL Tries: A Roberts K Pryce G Carmont P Richards T Leuluai (2) M Riddell J Tomkins Goals: P Richards (4) Tries: L Gale M Gafa Goals: D Orr (2)

Round 20 – Catalans Dragons
Date: 10 July Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: B Thaler Half-time: 10–12 Attendance: 11,543 RFL report WIGAN 24–22 Catalans Tries: A Roberts D Goulding G Carmont P Richards (2) Goals: P Richards (2) Tries: S Bell D Pelo O Elima G Bird Goals: T Bosc (3)

Round 21 – Bradford Bulls
Date: 19 July Venue: Grattan Stadium Referee: R Silverwood Half-time: 0–6 Attendance: 9,487 RFL report Bradford 14–20 WIGAN Tries: C Nero J Donaldson Goals: P Deacond (3) Tries: A Roberts M Gleeson P Richards J Tomkins Goals: P Richards (2)

Round 22 – Leeds Rhinos
Date: 24 July Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: P Bentham Half-time: 6–10 Attendance: 20,295 RFL report WIGAN 28–10 Leeds Tries: G Carmont S Tomkins J Tomkins H Hansen Goals: P Richards (6) Tries: S Donald D McGuire Goals: K Sinfield

Round 23 – St Helens RLFC
Date: 31 July Venue: GPW Recruitment Stadium Referee: B Thaler Half-time: 4–6 Attendance: 15,563 RFL report St Helens 10–6 WIGAN Tries: M Gidley K Eastmond Goals: K Eastmond Tries: S Tomkins P Richards

August

Challenge Cup Semi-final – Warrington Wolves
Date: 8 August Venue: Stobart Stadium Halton Referee: S Ganson Half-time: 8–28 Attendance: 12,975 RFL report WIGAN 26–39 Warrington Tries: P Bailey S Tomkins A Coley T Leuluai Goals: P Richards (5) Tries: M King (3) L Anderson L Briers M Cooper C Hicks Goals: C Bridge (5)

Round 24 – Warrington Wolves
Date: 14 August Venue: DW Stadium Referee: R Silverwood Half-time: 22–4 Attendance: 13,452 RFL report WIGAN 36–16 Warrington Tries: C Phelps A Roberts M Gleeson G Carmont (2) P Richards T Leuluai Goals: P Richards (4) Tries: V Anderson C Riley C Bridge Goals: C Bridge (2)

Round 25 – Castleford Tigers
Date: 23 August Venue: The Jungle Referee: S Ganson Half-time: 8–16 Attendance: 6,574 RFL report Castleford 26–29 WIGAN Tries: M Shenton K Dixon (2) B Ferres D Widders Goals: K Dixon J Westerman (2) Tries: S Tomkins (3) T Leuluai (2) Goals: P Richards (4) Drops: S Tomkins

September

Round 26 – Hull FC
Date: 4 September Venue: DW Stadium Referee: B Thaler Half-time: 10–6 Attendance: 12,491 RFL report WIGAN 34–22 Hull FC Tries: A Roberts (2) G Carmont (2) S Tomkins I Palea'aesina Goals: P Richards (5) Tries: C Hall T Briscoe R Horne D Tickle Goals: C Hall D Tickle (2)

Round 27 – Huddersfield Giants
Date: 13 September Venue: Galpharm Stadium Referee: I Smith Half-time: 18–10 Attendance: 8,988 RFL report Huddersfield 48–16 WIGAN Tries: B Hodgson L Cudjoe (3) P Whatuira D Hodgson S Lunt (2) Goals: B Hodgson (8) Tries: P Richards J Tomkins M Flanagan Goals: P Richards (2)

EPO – Castleford Tigers
Date: 20 September Venue: DW Stadium Referee: I Smith Half-time: 12–0 Attendance: 8,689 RFL report WIGAN 18–12 Castleford Tries: A Roberts G Carmont H Hansen Goals: P Richards (3) Tries: C Huby J Westerman Goals: J Westerman (2)

PSF – Hull Kingston Rovers
Date: 26 September Venue: New Craven Park Referee: R Silverwood Half-time: 0–18 Attendance: 8,162 RFL report Hull KR 16–30 WIGAN Tries: P Fox K Welham C I'Anson Goals: M Dobson (2) Tries: M Gleeson (2) G Carmont P Richards I Palea'aesina Goals: P Richards (5)

October

QSF – St Helens RLFC
Date: 3 October Venue: GPW Recruitment Stadium Referee: S Ganson Half-time: 10–6 Attendance: 13,087 RFL report St Helens 14–10 WIGAN Tries: F Meli (2) S Long Goals: K Eastmond Tries: G Carmont P Richards Goals: P Richards

Transfers

Transfers in

Pos	Name	From	Date	Notes
HK	Mark Riddell	Parramatta Eels	14 May 2008	[89]
WG	Amos Roberts	Sydney Roosters	22 January 2009	[90]
CE	Martin Gleeson	Warrington Wolves	6 April 2009	[91]

Transfers out

Pos	Name	To	Date	Notes
SO	Trent Barrett	Cronulla Sharks	5 June 2008	[92]
WG	Mark Calderwood	Hull	11 September 2008	[93]
HK	Mickey Higham	Warrington Wolves	15 September 2008	[94]
WG	Liam Colbon	Hull Kingston Rovers	18 September 2008	[95]
FB	Richie Mathers	Warrington Wolves	6 April 2009	[91]

Loans out

Pos	Name	To	Date from	Until	Notes
SR	Lee Mossop	Barrow Raiders	9 April 2009	9 May 2009	[59]
		Huddersfield Giants	19 May 2009	19 June 2009	[81]
			19 June 2009	7 July 2009	[62][96]
CE	Darrell Goulding	Salford City Reds	14 April 2009	14 May 2009	[61]
			14 May 2009	7 July 2009	[62]

Player statistics

• Numbers in parenthesis represent number of appearances as an interchange.
• For players who have performed in more than one unique positions, the most frequent is used.

2009 Wigan Warriors season player statistics (Correct as of 3 October)
No.	Pos.	Name	Apps		Tries		Goals		Drops		Totals		Disciplinary		Notes
			SL	CC	SL	CC	SL	CC	SL	CC	Apps	Pts
1	FB	Richard Mathers	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1[97]	0	[98]
2	WG	Amos Roberts	29	4	12	0	5	1	0	0	33	60	0	0	[98][99][100][101][102]
3	CE	Darrell Goulding	6 (3)	1 (1)	2	0	0	0	0	0	7 (4)	8	0	0	[98][99]
4	CE	George Carmont	26	4	15	3	0	0	0	0	30	72	0	0	[98][99][100][101][102]
5	WG	Pat Richards	28	3	20	3	89	13	0	0	31	296	0	0	[98][100][101][102]
6	SO	Tim Smith	12 (1)	2 (1)	1	0	0	0	0	0	14 (2)	4	0	0	[98][99][100]
7	SH	Thomas Leuluai	30	4	9	1	0	0	0	0	34	40	1[103]	0	[98][99][100][101][102]
8	PR	Stuart Fielden	30 (17)	2 (1)	0	1	0	0	0	0	32 (18)	4	0	0	[98][100][102]
9	HK	Mark Riddell	28 (3)	3	3	0	0	1	0	0	31 (3)	14	0	0	[98][99][101][102]
10	PR	Iafeta Palea'aesina	30 (27)	4 (3)	2	0	0	0	0	0	34 (30)	8	0	0	[98][99][100][101][102]
11	SR	Gareth Hock	15	2	4	2	0	0	0	0	17	24	0	0	[98][100][101]
12	SR	Phil Bailey	18	4	5	1	0	0	0	0	22	24	0	0	[98][99][100][101][102]
13	LF	Sean O'Loughlin (c)	25	4	5	0	0	0	0	0	29	20	0	0	[98][99][100][101][102]
14	SR	Joel Tomkins	29 (10)	4 (3)	7	0	0	0	0	0	33 (13)	28	0	0	[98][99][100][101][102]
15	PR	Andy Coley	29 (4)	4 (1)	0	1	0	0	0	0	33 (5)	4	1[104]	0	[98][99][100][101][102]
16	SR	Harrison Hansen	26 (9)	3 (1)	7	0	0	0	0	0	29 (10)	28	1[50]	0	[98][99][101][102]
17	HK	Michael McIlorum	17 (12)	2 (1)	0	1	0	0	0	0	19 (13)	4	0	0	[98][100][101]
19	SR	Paul Prescott	24 (7)	4 (1)	0	0	0	0	0	0	28 (8)	0	0	0	[98][99][100][101][102]
20	WG	Karl Pryce	6 (2)	1	2	1	0	0	0	0	7 (2)	12	0	0	[98][99]
21	FB	Cameron Phelps	23	3	5	1	0	0	0	0	26	24	0	0	[98][100][101][102]
22	CE	Martin Gleeson	19	3	6	0	0	0	0	0	22	24	0	0	[98][100][101][102]
23	PR	Eamon O'Carroll	6 (4)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6 (4)	0	0	0	[98]
24	SR	Lee Mossop	9 (9)	1 (1)	0	0	0	0	0	0	10 (10)	0	0	0	[98][99]
25	SO	Sam Tomkins	23 (5)	4 (1)	12	3	0	0	1	0	27 (6)	61	1[105]	0	[98][99][100][101][102]
26	HK	Mark Flanagan	10 (7)	1 (1)	1	0	0	0	0	0	11 (8)	4	0	0	[98][102]
28	WG	Shaun Ainscough	11	1	13	3	0	0	0	0	12	64	0	0	[98][99]

Fixtures

LEGEND
	Win
	Draw
	Loss

Super League

Pat Richards, Wigan's leading try and goal scorer for 2009.

Gareth Hock, who was suspended for testing positive for cocaine in 2009.

Main article: Super League XIV

Round	Opponent	Score	H/A	Attendance	Date
17	Wakefield Trinity Wildcats	6–12	Home	14,377	8 February 2009
1	Hull	18–10	Away	14,523	13 February 2009
2	Castleford Tigers	22–28	Home	12,079	20 February 2009
3	Harlequins RL	18–24	Away	3,883	28 February 2009
4	Bradford Bulls	44–10	Home	12,588	6 March 2009
5	Leeds Rhinos	34–10	Away	17,677	13 March 2009
6	Salford City Reds	12–38	Away	7,016	20 March 2009
7	Huddersfield Giants	8–22	Home	11,670	27 March 2009
8	St Helens R.F.C.	12–19	Home	22,232	9 April 2009
9	Catalans Dragons	40–24	Away	9,490	13 April 2009
10	Crusaders	44–10	Home	12,371	19 April 2009
11	Wakefield Trinity Wildcats	26–40	Away	5,521	26 April 2009
12	St Helens RLFC	38–18	Neutral	29,627	3 May 2009
13	Hull Kingston Rovers	12–20	Home	13,415	15 May 2009
14	Warrington Wolves	16–8	Away	10,718	24 May 2009
15	Salford City Reds	34–18	Home	11,550	5 June 2009
16	Celtic Crusaders	22–16	Away	5,253	13 June 2009
18	Hull Kingston Rovers	28–36	Away	9,007	28 June 2009
19	Harlequins RL	40–12	Home	14,977	3 July 2009
20	Catalans Dragons	24–22	Home	11,543	10 July 2009
21	Bradford Bulls	14–20	Away	9,487	19 July 2009
22	Leeds Rhinos	28–10	Home	20,295	24 July 2009
23	St Helens RLFC	10–6	Away	15,563	31 July 2009
24	Warrington Wolves	36–16	Home	13,452	14 August 2009
25	Castleford Tigers	22–29	Away	6,574	23 August 2009
26	Hull FC	34–22	Home	12,491	4 September 2009
27	Huddersfield Giants	48–16	Away	8,988	13 September 2009
EPO	Castleford Tigers	18–12	Home	8,689	20 September 2009
PSF	Hull Kingston Rovers	16–30	Away	8,162	26 September 2009
QSF	St Helens RLFC	14–10	Away	13,087	3 October 2009

Challenge Cup

Shaun Ainscough, scoring against Barrow Raiders

Main article: 2009 Challenge Cup

Round	Opponent	Score	H/A	Attendance	Date
4	Barrow Raiders [C]	20–32	Away	6,275	5 April 2009
5	Wakefield Trinity Wildcats [SL]	17–28	Away	4,883	9 May 2009
QF	Salford City Reds [SL]	28–6	Home	9,466	29 May 2009
SF	Warrington Wolves [SL]	26–39	Neutral	12,975	8 August 2009

League table

Super League XIV
Pos.	Team	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	Pts
1	Leeds Rhinos	27	21	0	6	805	453	+352	42
2	St. Helens	27	19	0	8	733	466	+267	38
3	Huddersfield Giants	27	18	0	9	690	416	+274	36
4	Hull KR	27	17	1	9	650	516	+134	35
5	Wakefield Trinity Wildcats	27	16	0	11	685	609	+76	32
6	Wigan Warriors	27	15	0	12	659	551	+108	30
7	Castleford Tigers	27	14	0	13	645	702	–57	28
8	Catalans Dragons	27	13	0	14	613	660	–47	26
9	Bradford Bulls	27	12	1	14	653	668	–15	25
10	Warrington Wolves	27	12	0	15	649	705	–56	24
11	Harlequins RL	27	11	0	16	591	691	–100	22
12	Hull FC	27	10	0	17	502	623	–121	20
13	Salford City Reds	27	7	0	20	456	754	–298	14
14	Celtic Crusaders	27	3	0	24	357	874	–517	6

	Teams qualifying for the Play-offs
	Wigan

Source: superleague.co.uk.
Classification: 1st on competition points; 2nd on match points difference.
Competition points: for win = 2; for draw = 1; for loss = 0.

Notable moments

• Friday 13 February – Wigan lose their second successive game of the season losing 18–10 to Hull FC making it Wigan's worst start to a Super League season since the 2006 season.
• Friday 20 February – Nineteen-year-old Shaun Ainscough and former Gloucester rugby union player Karl Pryce make their Super League débuts for Wigan.
• Friday 20 February – Wigan lose their third successive game of the season after being beaten 28–22 by Castleford Tigers. It is Wigan's worst start to a season in 24 years.
• Saturday 28 February – Sam Tomkins makes his début for Wigan against Harlequins RLFC.
• Saturday 28 February – Wigan get their first win of the Super League XIV season by beating Harlequins RL twenty-four points to eighteen at the Twickenham Stoop
• Sunday 5 April – Wigan defeat Barrow Raiders 32–20 to progress in the Challenge Cup.
• Monday 6 April – Wigan sign Martin Gleeson from Warrington Wolves for a fee of £100,000+.
• Monday 6 April – Wigan release Richie Mathers who later signs for Warrington Wolves.
• Thursday 9 April – First time during the Super League era that a Wigan verses St Helens match is played on a Thursday night.
• Thursday 9 April – Wigan lose 19–12 to St Helens at the JJB Stadium in the first Wigan verses St Helens derby of Super League XIV.
• Wednesday 15 April – Darrell Goulding is released on loan to the Salford City Reds and Lee Mossop joins the Barrow Raiders on loan.
• Sunday 19 April – The first ever match between Wigan Warriors and Celtic Crusaders ends with Wigan winning 44–10.
• Saturday 2 May – First 'Magic Weekend' at Murrayfield Stadium in Scotland where Wigan beat local rivals St Helens by 38 points to 18.
• Saturday 9 May – Wigan defeat Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 28–17 to progress to the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup.
• Monday 18 May – Lee Mossop joins Super League team Huddersfield Giants on loan.
• Friday 22 May – A 16–8 defeat against Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium means Wigan have still never won at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in a competitive match. A record stretching back 6 years and including a 36–24 defeat to Catalans Dragons in a Challenge Cup Semi-final.
• Friday 29 May – Wigan beat Salford City Reds 28–6 to progress to the semi finals of the Challenge Cup.
• Saturday 13 June – Mark Flanagan makes his Super League début for Wigan.
• Saturday 13 June – Wigan's first game at Brewery Field ends in a 22–16 defeat. It is also the first time Wigan have lost to the Celtic Crusaders.
• Tuesday 23 June – Gareth Hock tests positive for Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine and is provisionally suspended by the Rugby Football League.
• Friday 24 July – In a match marketed as 'The BIG One' 20,295 people watch Wigan beat Leeds at the JJB Stadium which is the highest attendance between the two teams in Super League.
• Friday 24 July – Wigan play their last match at the JJB Stadium before its official re-branding to the DW stadium on 1 August 2009.
• Friday 31 July – Wigan's five game unbeaten run comes to an end with a 10–6 defeat to local rivals St Helens.
• Saturday 8 August – Wigan are knocked out of the Challenge Cup by a 39–26 defeat to Warrington Wolves.

References

1. "Noble leaves Bulls to join Wigan". BBC. 20 April 2006. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
2. "Three clubs given A grade licence". BBC. 23 July 2008. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
3. Hadfield, Dave (7 July 2007). "Wigan 25 Bradford 18: Barrett helps give Wigan welcome lift". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 17 September 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
4. Chapelard, James (28 June 2008). "Licence is Wilkinson's reward for years of support". Crain's Manchester Business. Archived from the original on 7 August 2010. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
5. "Competition Structure". Rugby Football League. Archived from the original on 23 July 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
6. "Wigan Warriors – Seasons". Rugby League Project. Archived from the original on 17 September 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
7. "DW Stadium – Facts & Figures". Archived from the original on 14 March 2011. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
8. "Club profile". Rugby Football League. Archived from the original on 17 September 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
9. Whalley, John (28 April 2002). "Wigan recall glory days". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
10. "Super League XIII table". Rugby Football League. Archived from the original on 17 September 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
11. "Wigan 30–14". BBC. 12 September 2008. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
12. Wilson, Andy (22 September 2008). "Warrior mentality edges Wigan towards grand final". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
13. "Leeds 18–14 Wigan". BBC. 26 September 2008. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
14. Wilkinson, Phil (2 October 2008). "Legends hail departing Barrett as one of the best". Wigan Today. Archived from the original on 18 September 2009. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
15. Aspinall, Peter (1 October 2008). "Barrett backs Smith to fill his shoes". Wigan Today. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
16. "Smith set for Wigan debut". Fox Sports. 11 July 2008. Archived from the original on 18 September 2009. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
17. Dewhurst, Tony (30 December 2008). "Noble still looking". Wigan Today. Archived from the original on 18 September 2009. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
18. Aspinall, Peter (6 October 2008). "Lenagan off on talent search". Wigan Today. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
19. Aspinall, Peter (14 October 2008). "Carmont to stay a Warrior". Wigan Today. Archived from the original on 18 September 2009. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
20. "Roberts heads to Wigan". Sky Sports. 22 October 2008. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
21. Dewhurst, Tony (28 October 2008). "Higham gutted over exit". Wigan Today. Archived from the original on 18 September 2009. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
22. "Joel Tomkins signs extended deal". Wigan Warriors. 14 November 2008. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
23. "McGoldrick quashes Wigan rumours". Pontefract & Castleford Express. 26 November 2008. Archived from the original on 18 September 2009. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
24. Riccio, David (7 December 2008). "Homesick Smith keen to head home". Herald Sun. Archived from the original on 27 September 2009. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
25. Hadfield, Dave (30 December 2008). "Wigan deny Bird transfer rumours". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 27 September 2009. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
26. Wilkinson, Phil (30 January 2009). "No signings before season starts". Wigan Today. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
27. "Kelly opts for youth & experience". RTÉ Sport. 7 October 2008. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
28. "Samoan preliminary squad". Rugby League International Federation. 5 August 2008. Archived from the original on 6 December 2008. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
29. Wilson, Andy (7 October 2008). "Rugby league: England opt for Calderwood and Higham". The Guardian.
30. Baxtor, Trevor (24 November 2008). "Wigan will gain from World Cup win, says Thomas Leuluai". The Mirror. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
31. Fletcher, Paul (22 November 2008). "Rugby League World Cup Final 2008". BBC. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
32. "Warriors Festive Cheer". Wigan Warriors. 28 December 2008. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
33. "Warriors edge out Giants". Sky Sports. 25 January 2009. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
34. Wilkinson, Phil (30 January 2009). "Warriors ease past Leigh". Wigan Today. Archived from the original on 27 September 2009. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
35. "Wounded Cats stun Warriors". Sky Sports.
36. "Mathers in the dock". Wigan Today. 9 February 2009. Archived from the original on 27 September 2009. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
37. "Warriors and UCLan in Exciting Partnership". Wigan Warriors. 10 February 2009. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
38. Dewhurst, Tony (11 February 2009). "Two match ban for Mathers". Wigan Today. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
39. Irvine, Christopher (14 February 2009). "Peter Cusack seal the deal for Hull". The Times. London. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
40. "Noble announces 19 for Tiger test". Wigan Warriors. 18 February 2009. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
41. Fisher, Michael (21 February 2009). "Wigan mark their worst start in 24 years against Castleford". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
42. "Warriors hooker banned". Sporting Life. Archived from the original on 27 September 2009. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
43. Dewhurst, Tony (25 February 2009). "Lenagan – Nobby safe". Wigan Today. Archived from the original on 27 September 2009. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
44. Wilkinson, Phil (28 February 2009). "Warriors claim first Super League win". Wigan Today. Archived from the original on 27 September 2009. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
45. "Warriors Reserves Defeat Bulls". Wigan Warriors. 7 March 2009. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 21 September 2009.
46. "Warriors crush tame Bulls". Sky Sports. 8 March 2009. Retrieved 21 September 2009.
47. "Leeds 34–10 Wigan". BBC. 13 March 2009. Retrieved 21 September 2009.
48. Hampson, Andy (20 March 2009). "Salford 12 Wigan 38". Sporting Life. Archived from the original on 27 September 2009. Retrieved 21 September 2009.
49. Dewhurst, Tony (24 March 2009). "Bad break for O'Carroll". Wigan Today. Retrieved 21 September 2009.
50. Wilkinson, Phil (27 March 2009). "A Giant loss". Wigan Today. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
51. "Des delighted as Raiders land Wigan plum". North-West Evening Mail. 10 March 2009. Archived from the original on 27 September 2009. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
52. Wilkinson, Phil (2 April 2009). "Cumbria deserves SL team". Wigan Today. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
53. Wilkinson, Phil (6 April 2009). "Barrow 20 Warriors 34". Wigan Today. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
54. "Wigan Warriors Sign Martin Gleeson". Wigan Warriors. 6 April 2009. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2009.
55. Dewhurst, Tony (6 April 2009). "Glee for Warriors". Wigan Today. Retrieved 23 October 2009.
56. Dewhurst, Tony (7 April 2009). "Gleeson: I've come home". Wigan Today. Retrieved 23 October 2009.
57. "Warriors Away at Wakefield in Challenge Cup". Wigan Warriors. 7 April 2009. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2009.
58. Wilkinson, Phil (9 April 2009). "Wigan push Saints all the way". Wigan Today. Retrieved 29 December 2009.
59. "Barrow sign ex-Hensingham forward Mossop on loan from Wigan". Times & Star. 9 April 2009. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
60. "Catalans Dragons 40 Wigan 24". Sporting Life. 13 April 2009. Retrieved 30 December 2009.
61. "Salford seal loan deal for Wigan centre Darrell Goulding". The Guardian. London. 14 April 2009. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
62. Hadfield, Dave (7 July 2009). "Wigan recall Goulding and Mossop". The Independent. London. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
63. "Wigan enjoy last Crusaders". Sky Sports. 19 April 2009. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
64. Walker, Gareth (20 April 2009). "Celtic Crusaders crushed by eight-try Wigan as winless newcomers flounder". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 21 January 2009.
65. "Warriors keep eye on Myler". Wigan Today. 22 April 2009. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
66. Fisher, Michael (6 September 2009). "Richie Myler heads list of Warrington signings". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
67. Wilson, Andy (22 April 2009). "Hull KR coach Justin Morgan handed record British fine". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
68. "Ainscough stars in Wigan win". Sky Sports. 24 April 2009. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
69. Wilkinson, Phil (24 April 2009). "Ainscough grabs four". Wigan Today. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
70. Dewhurst, Tony (1 May 2009). "Noble delight at Leuluai Test snub". Wigan Today. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
71. "Let's give Scots a try". Sky Sports. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
72. "Brilliant Wigan produce Edinburgh magic to beat St Helens". The Guardian. London. 2 May 2009. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
73. "Wigan chairman praises Noble". Sky Sports. 3 May 2009. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
74. "Atkins hails Mr Motivator". Sky Sports. 5 May 2009. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
75. "Roll of honour". BBC. 26 August 2006. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
76. Laybourn, Ian (9 May 2009). "Stuart Fielden ends two-year wait to cap Wigan fightback against Wakefield". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
77. "Saints sent to Gateshead in Cup". BBC. 10 May 2009. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
78. "Tomkins avoids ban". Sky Sports. 12 May 2009. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
79. "Goulding extends Salford loan". Sky Sports. 13 May 2009. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
80. News, Manchester Evening (15 May 2009). "Wigan 12 Hull KR 20". men.
81. "Wigan's Lee Mossop joins Super League rivals Huddersfield Giants". Liverpool Echo. 19 May 2009. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
82. Dewhurst, Tony (22 May 2009). "Noble growing impatient over Warriors future". Wigan Today. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
83. "Wolves too fierce for Warrington". Sky Sports. 23 May 2009. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
84. Wilson, Andy (25 May 2009). "Challenge Cup injury gloom for Castleford and Wigan". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
85. Hadfield, Dave (28 May 2009). "Fielden appeals ban". the Independent. London. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
86. "Wigan 28–6 Salford". BBC. 29 May 2009. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
87. Wilson, Andy (30 July 2007). "Catalans' triumph caps Wigan's week of woe". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
88. "Giants face Saints in semi-final". BBC. 1 June 2009. Retrieved 24 February 2010.
89. "Warriors Capture Mark Riddell". Wigan Warriors. 14 May 2008. Archived from the original on 21 May 2008. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
90. "Amos Roberts joins Wigan from Roosters". The Sydney Morning Herald. 22 January 2009. Archived from the original on 27 September 2009. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
91. Fisher, Michael (6 April 2009). "Martin Gleeson joins hometown club Wigan". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
92. League, Total Rugby (30 January 2019). "Former Wigan star Barrett out of Sharks running".
93. "Former Leeds Rhino Mark Calderwood joins Hull FC". Yorkshire Post. 11 September 2008. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
94. Burke, David (15 September 2008). "Warrington sign up Garreth Carvell and Mickey Higham". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
95. "Colbon to leave Wigan for Hull KR". BBC News. 18 September 2008.
96. "Huddersfield extend Mossop loan". British Broadcasting Corporation. 17 June 2009. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
97. Wilson, Andy (8 February 2009). "Wakefield honour Watene with stunning win at Wigan". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
98. "Super League XIV 2009 – Wigan Warriors". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
99. Walker, Gareth (5 April 2009). "Barrow Raiders give Wigan a fright in the Challenge Cup". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
100. "Wakefield Trinity Wildcats bow out of Carnegie Challenge Cup to Wigan Warriors". Wakefield Express. 9 May 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
101. Wilson, Andy (29 May 2009). "Richards treble sinks Reds to take heat off Noble". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
102. Hudson, Elizabeth (8 August 2009). "Wigan 26–39 Warrington". BBC. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
103. "Wigan 24–22 Catalans". BBC. 10 July 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
104. "Wigan 34–22 Hull". BBC. 4 September 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
105. Hadfield, Dave (4 July 2009). "Wigan stroll to easy win". The Independent. London. Retrieved 15 September 2009.

External links

• Wigan Warriors official site