2009 Wigan Warriors season

July 2023 May 2014 September 2020 2009 #D31718 #ffffff Super League Super League XIV 6th 17 0 13 716 593 Lost qualifying semi-final(St Helens R.F.C., 14–10) Challenge Cup Lost semi-final(Warrington Wolves, 26–39) 3 1 Chairman Ian Lenagan Head coach Brian Noble Sean O'Loughlin JJB Stadium 13,695 22,232(St Helens RLFC, 9 April) Pat Richards (23) Pat Richards (102) Pat Richards (296) 2008 2010 yes List of Wigan Warriors seasons Wigan Warriors played in the Super League XIV and Challenge Cup in the 2009 season. Background 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.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/4925888.stm Noble leaves Bulls to join Wigan BBC 20 April 2006 14 September 2009 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.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/7519770.stm Three clubs given A grade licence BBC 23 July 2008 14 September 2009 The salary cap, which the club broke in 2007,https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/wigan-25-bradford-18-barrett-helps-give-wigan-welcome-lift-456339.html Wigan 25 Bradford 18: Barrett helps give Wigan welcome lift The Independent 7 July 2007 14 September 2009 Hadfield Dave https://archive.today/20090917211135/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/wigan-25-bradford-18-barrett-helps-give-wigan-welcome-lift-456339.html 17 September 2009 dead London was still in effect for this season, and the limit remained at GBP£1.7 million;http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080728/FREE/210381473/1166/-/-/licence-is-wilkinsons-reward-for-years-of-support Licence is Wilkinson's reward for years of support Crain's Manchester Business 28 June 2008 14 September 2009 Chapelard James dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150923210957/http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080728/FREE/210381473/1166/-/-/licence-is-wilkinsons-reward-for-years-of-support 23 September 2015 the cap was maintained 'live', in continuation of an operational change by the Rugby Football League in 2008.http://www.superleague.co.uk/page.php?id=346 Competition Structure Rugby Football League 14 September 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090723201335/http://www.superleague.co.uk/page.php?id=346 23 July 2009 As an ever-present club in the Super League format, this season was the Wigan Warriors' fourteenth year in the competition.http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/teams/Wigan_Warriors/seasons.html Wigan Warriors – Seasons Rugby League Project 14 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110727224905/http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/teams/Wigan_Warriors/seasons.html 27 July 2011 live 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.http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=37 DW Stadium – Facts & Figures 14 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110314191638/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=37 14 March 2011 dead In contrast to the club's historical success,http://www.superleague.co.uk/club.php?id=33507 Club profile Rugby Football League 14 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090818022601/http://www.superleague.co.uk/club.php?id=33507 18 August 2009 dead 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.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/3026799/Wigan-recall-glory-days.html Wigan recall glory days The Daily Telegraph 28 April 2002 14 September 2009 Whalley John London They had only won the Super League title once, in 1998. In the previous season the Wigan Warriors finished fourth in the league table meaning they qualified for the play-offs,http://www.superleague.co.uk/table08.php Super League XIII table Rugby Football League 14 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090723225035/http://www.superleague.co.uk/table08.php 23 July 2009 dead and after defeating Bradford Bulls and Catalans Dragons,https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7605926.stm Wigan 30–14 BBC 12 September 2008 14 September 2009https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2008/sep/22/wiganwarriors.leedsrhinos Warrior mentality edges Wigan towards grand final The Guardian 22 September 2008 14 September 2009 Wilson Andy London the club fell short of the 2008 Super League Grand Final after losing to Leeds Rhinos at Headingley for the second year running.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7629521.stm Leeds 18–14 Wigan BBC 26 September 2008 14 September 2009 Pre-season 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;http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Legends-hail-departing-Barrett-as.4551041.jp Legends hail departing Barrett as one of the best Wigan Today 2 October 2008 16 September 2009 Wilkinson Phil https://web.archive.org/web/20081206002349/http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Legends-hail-departing-Barrett-as.4551041.jp 6 December 2008 live Barrett himself insisted that Tim Smith could replace him, after Smith was released by Parramatta Eels following an episode of bipolar disorder.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Barrett-backs-Smith-to-fill.4545126.jp Barrett backs Smith to fill his shoes Wigan Today 1 October 2008 16 September 2009 Aspinall Peter 5 December 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081205043812/http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Barrett-backs-Smith-to-fill.4545126.jp deadhttp://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24004127-23214,00.html Smith set for Wigan debut Fox Sports 11 July 2008 16 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20080805020424/http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24004127-23214,00.html 5 August 2008 live It was also to be the last season for Liam Colbon and Mark Calderwood, who both transferred away from the club.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Noble-still-looking.4829815.jp Noble still looking Wigan Today 30 December 2008 16 September 2009 Dewhurst Tony https://web.archive.org/web/20081231225612/http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Noble-still-looking.4829815.jp 31 December 2008 live An attempt to sign the Canberra Raiders' Todd Carney ended after Huddersfield Giants signed him instead.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Lenagan-off-on-talent-search.4561455.jp Lenagan off on talent search Wigan Today 6 October 2008 16 September 2009 Aspinall Peter The club prevented a possible cross-code transfer with George Carmont to rugby union by extending his contract.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Carmont-to-stay-a-Warrior.4588526.jp Carmont to stay a Warrior Wigan Today 14 October 2008 16 September 2009 Aspinall Peter https://web.archive.org/web/20120312073544/http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Carmont-to-stay-a-Warrior.4588526.jp 12 March 2012 live Wigan eventually signed their first new player with former Sydney Roosters player Amos Roberts, who was released from his contract a year prematurely,http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_4368895,00.html Roberts heads to Wigan Sky Sports 22 October 2008 16 September 2009 but lost another player to the Warrington Wolves in Mickey Higham.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Higham-gutted-over-exit.4634624.jp Higham gutted over exit Wigan Today 28 October 2008 16 September 2009 Dewhurst Tony https://archive.today/20120918114713/http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Higham-gutted-over-exit.4634624.jp 18 September 2012 live Joel Tomkins, a Wigan Warriors Youth Development product, also extended his contract until the end of the 2011 season.http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3515&type=news Joel Tomkins signs extended deal Wigan Warriors 14 November 2008 16 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110718044014/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3515&type=news 18 July 2011 dead Rumours about a move for Ryan McGoldrick ended after he publicly ruled out any possible transfer.http://www.pontefractandcastlefordexpress.co.uk/sport/McGoldrick-quashes-Wigan-rumours.4735076.jp McGoldrick quashes Wigan rumours Pontefract & Castleford Express 26 November 2008 16 September 2009 https://archive.today/20120907134738/http://www.pontefractandcastlefordexpress.co.uk/sport/McGoldrick-quashes-Wigan-rumours.4735076.jp 7 September 2012 live 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.http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/homesick-smith-keen-to-head-home/story-e6frfgdx-1111118242327 Homesick Smith keen to head home Herald Sun 7 December 2008 18 September 2009 Riccio David https://web.archive.org/web/20110722204558/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/homesick-smith-keen-to-head-home/story-e6frfgdx-1111118242327 22 July 2011 live 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.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/wigan-deny-bird-transfer-rumours-1215992.html Wigan deny Bird transfer rumours The Independent 30 December 2008 18 September 2009 Hadfield Dave https://web.archive.org/web/20081231184950/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/wigan-deny-bird-transfer-rumours-1215992.html 31 December 2008 dead London 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.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/No-signings-before-season-starts.4930433.jp No signings before season starts Wigan Today 30 January 2009 18 September 2009 Wilkinson Phil 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.http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2008/1007/ireland_rugbyleague.html Kelly opts for youth & experience RTÉ Sport 7 October 2008 18 September 2009 Carmont and Harrison Hansen were selected for the Samoan national team.http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/08/05/samoan-preliminary-squad.aspx Samoan preliminary squad Rugby League International Federation 5 August 2008 18 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20081206023344/http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/08/05/samoan-preliminary-squad.aspx 6 December 2008 dead Stuart Fielden was omitted from the England squad but Calderwood, Higham and Gareth Hock all received places.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/oct/08/rugbyleagueworldcup2008.englandrugbyleagueteam Rugby league: England opt for Calderwood and Higham Andy Wilson 7 October 2008 The Guardian 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.https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby/2008/11/24/wigan-will-gain-from-world-cup-win-says-thomas-leuluai-115875-20920155/ Wigan will gain from World Cup win, says Thomas Leuluai The Mirror 24 November 2008 18 September 2009 Baxtor Trevorhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7736947.stm Rugby League World Cup final 2008 BBC 22 November 2008 18 September 2009 Fletcher Paul 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.http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3548&type=news Warriors Festive Cheer Wigan Warriors 28 December 2008 18 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110718044345/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3548&type=news 18 July 2011 dead 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. 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.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_4848478,00.html Warriors edge out Giants Sky Sports 25 January 2009 18 September 2009 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.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Warriors-ease-past-Leigh.4932724.jp Warriors ease past Leigh Wigan Today 30 January 2009 18 September 2009 Wilkinson Phil https://web.archive.org/web/20120312073630/http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Warriors-ease-past-Leigh.4932724.jp 12 March 2012 live LEGEND   Win   Draw   Loss Opponent Score H/A Date Warrington 12 Warrington Wolves 4–44 Away 28 December 2008 Huddersfield 12 Huddersfield Giants 24–28 Away 25 January 2009 Leigh 12 Leigh Centurions 0–32 Away 30 January 2009 Season overview 2009 Super League season results February Round 17 – Wakefield Trinity Wildcats100% 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.https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/4905918/wounded-cats-stun-warriors Wounded Cats stun Warriors Sky Sports Head coach Brian Noble blamed the result on a poor completion rate of 40%. 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. 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,http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Mathers-in-the-dock.4961241.jp Mathers in the dock Wigan Today 9 February 2009 18 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090418062538/http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Mathers-in-the-dock.4961241.jp 18 April 2009 live 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. Round 1 – Hull FC100% 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.http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3647&type=news Warriors and UCLan in Exciting Partnership Wigan Warriors 10 February 2009 18 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110718044405/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3647&type=news 18 July 2011 dead This news was announced on the same day Mathers learned he would miss the next two matches for tripping Halley,http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Twomatch-ban-for-Mathers.4967803.jp Two match ban for Mathers Wigan Today 11 February 2009 18 September 2009 Dewhurst Tony including the club's next match against Hull F.C. which they lost at the KC Stadium.http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_league/article5729470.ece Peter Cusack seal the deal for Hull The Times 14 February 2009 18 September 2009 Irvine Christopher LondonSeptember 2024 medicmedic 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. Richard Horne scored for Hull to level the scores at 6–6 before a last resort intervention from Kirk Yeaman denied Goulding a try. 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. 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. Round 2 – Castleford Tigers100% Date: 20 February Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: S Ganson Half-time: 6–16 Attendance: 12,079 RFL report https://web.archive.org/web/20090225025054/http://www.superleague.co.uk/report.php?id=3086255 25 February 2009 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.http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3649&type=news Noble announces 19 for Tiger test Wigan Warriors 18 February 2009 18 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110718044426/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3649&type=news 18 July 2011 dead 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.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/4740897/Wigan-mark-their-worst-start-in-24-years-against-Castleford.html Wigan mark their worst start in 24 years against Castleford The Telegraph 21 February 2009 18 September 2009 Fisher Michael London 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. Thomas Leuluai's effort gave Wigan a try before Joe Westerman put the Tigers ahead again after 34 minutes. Castleford scored again through Brett Ferres, with Dixon converting to give Castleford a 6–16 lead at half-time. 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. Wigan started a fight back, initially through a Goulding try, and then again through Joel Tomkins. 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. Michael McIlorum was also cited and suspended by the Rugby Football League after the game for a dangerous throw on Mitchell Sargent.http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/09/02/24/RUGBYL_Disciplinary.html Warriors hooker banned Sporting Life 18 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110605031703/http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/09/02/24/RUGBYL_Disciplinary.html 5 June 2011 live 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."http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Lenagan--Nobby-safe.5013441.jp Lenagan – Nobby safe Wigan Today 25 February 2009 18 September 2009 Dewhurst Tony https://web.archive.org/web/20090317004844/http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Lenagan--Nobby-safe.5013441.jp 17 March 2009 live Round 3 – Harlequins Rugby League100% Date: 28 February Venue: Twickenham Stoop Referee: T Alibert Half-time: 10–6 Attendance: 3,883 RFL report https://web.archive.org/web/20090302075042/http://www.superleague.co.uk/report.php?id=3086266 2 March 2009 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.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Warriors-claim-first-Super-League.5026660.jp Warriors claim first Super League win Wigan Today 28 February 2009 18 September 2009 Wilkinson Phil https://web.archive.org/web/20090316002522/http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Warriors-claim-first-Super-League.5026660.jp 16 March 2009 live 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. 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. 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. 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. Chris Melling restored a four-point lead for the home side with ten minutes left in the game after Harrison Hansen knocked-on. 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. March Round 4 – Bradford Bulls100% Date: 7 March Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: B Thaler Half-time: 18–0 Attendance: 12,588 RFL report WIGAN 44–10 Bradford Tries: P RichardsG CarmontI Palea'aesinaG Hock (2)H Hansen (2)Goals: P Richards (8) Tries: R SheriffeS MenziesGoals: 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.http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3717&type=news Warriors Reserves Defeat Bulls Wigan Warriors 7 March 2009 21 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110718044436/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3717&type=news 18 July 2011 dead 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.http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3115378,00.html Warriors crush tame Bulls Sky Sports 8 March 2009 21 September 2009 Richards scored the first of seven Wigan tries after nine minutes, before Hock broke the defensive line to put Wigan 12–0 ahead. Another line break from Hock provided an offload to Carmont who scored a third try. 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. Hock replied by scoring his second try, before a line break by Riddell handed a try to Harrison Hansen. Wayne Godwin broke his leg after stopping an Iafeta Palea'aesina run, before Palea'aesina himself scored Wigan's final try. Steve Menzies scored his first Bradford try before the match ended. Round 5 – Leeds Rhinos100% Date: 13 March Venue: Headingley Stadium Referee: I Smith Half-time: 22–6 Attendance: 17,677 RFL report https://web.archive.org/web/20090314184204/http://www.superleague.co.uk/report.php?id=3086276 14 March 2009 Leeds 34–10 WIGAN Tries: S DonaldR Hall (2)R BurrowK LeuluaiJ PeacockGoals: K Sinfield (5) Tries: S AinscoughG HockGoals: 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.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7928232.stm Leeds 34–10 Wigan BBC 13 March 2009 21 September 2009 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. An error from Ainscough proved costly as Scott Donald scored from the resulting turnover. 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. 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. Hall scored his second, besting Roberts in the air, after fifty minutes. Peacock scored Leeds' sixth try, bursting through the defensive line, whilst Hock scored the last try of the game. Round 6 – Salford City Reds100% 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 TurnerS Ratchford Tries: P RichardsS 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.http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/09/03/20/RUGBYL_Salford.html Salford 12 Wigan 38 Sporting Life 20 March 2009 21 September 2009 Hampson Andy https://web.archive.org/web/20110605031857/http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/09/03/20/RUGBYL_Salford.html 5 June 2011 live 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. Carmont replied, catching an offload from former-Salford player Andy Coley, to hand a try to Ainscough. Myler again created an opportunity, but Karl Fitzpatrick was pushed into touch. A break via Ainscough and Riddell gave Leuluai a try, before Myler scored Salford's first try following a kick from Jeremy Smith. 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. Wigan scored first again in the second half as Sam Tomkins scored from the half-way line, before Ainscough scored his second. 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. The win was dampened by the injury of Ireland international Eamon O'Carroll, who fractured his metatarsal bone during the reserve game against Salford.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Bad-break-for-O39Carroll.5101591.jp https://archive.today/20130222101446/http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Bad-break-for-O39Carroll.5101591.jp dead 22 February 2013 Bad break for O'Carroll Wigan Today 24 March 2009 21 September 2009 Dewhurst Tony Round 7 – Huddersfield Giants100% Date: 27 March Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: P Bentham Half-time: 4–10 Attendance: 11,670 RFL report WIGAN 8–22 Huddersfield Tries: A RobertsP Bailey Tries: M LawrenceK BrownS MooreGoals: 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. Amos Roberts returned after being dropped to the reserves the week before, whilst the visiting Huddersfield team contained five former Wigan players. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Ainscough then fumbled a kick from Robinson, and Michael Lawrence punished the mistake by scoring a try for Huddersfield. Brown scored minutes later to put the game beyond Wigan. April Challenge Cup round 4 – Barrow Raiders100% Date: 5 April Venue: Craven Park Referee: J Leahy Half-time: 14–20 Attendance: 6,275 RFL report Barrow 20–32 WIGAN Tries: J FinchJ NixonL CampbellGoals: P Noone (4) Tries: S Ainscough (3)G Carmont (2)K PryceS TomkinsGoals: M RiddellA 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.http://www.nwemail.co.uk/raiders/news/des_delighted_as_raiders_land_wigan_plum_1_524381?referrerPath=home Des delighted as Raiders land Wigan plum North-West Evening Mail 10 March 2009 22 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090318011509/http://www.nwemail.co.uk/raiders/news/des_delighted_as_raiders_land_wigan_plum_1_524381?referrerPath=home 18 March 2009 deadhttp://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Lenagan-Cumbria-deserves-Super-League.5133856.jp https://archive.today/20130222210453/http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Lenagan-Cumbria-deserves-Super-League.5133856.jp dead 22 February 2013 Cumbria deserves SL team Wigan Today 2 April 2009 22 September 2009 Wilkinson Phil 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.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Warriors-edge-into-fifth-round.5141180.jp Barrow 20 Warriors 34 Wigan Today 6 April 2009 22 September 2009 Wilkinson Phil 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. A try from Tomkins eventually sealed the win for Wigan to advance them into the fifth round of the competition. Round 8 – St Helens RLFC100% 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 GidleyL PryceK CunninghamGoals: P WellensK 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.http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=4288&type=news Wigan Warriors Sign Martin Gleeson 6 April 2009 Wigan Warriors 23 October 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110718044458/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=4288&type=news 18 July 2011 dead 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.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Glee-for-Warriors.5144001.jp Glee for Warriors 6 April 2009 Wigan Today 23 October 2009 Tony Dewhurst Wigan were reported by the Wigan Evening Post to have spent £110,000 and given Richie Mathers in return for Gleeson.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Gleeson-I39ve-come-home.5148092.jp Gleeson: I've come home 7 April 2009 Wigan Today 23 October 2009 Tony Dewhurst 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.http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3736&type=news Warriors Away at Wakefield in Challenge Cup 7 April 2009 Wigan Warriors 23 October 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110718044549/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=3736&type=news 18 July 2011 dead 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.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Warriors-lose-against-Saints.5160953.jp Wigan push Saints all the way Wigan Today 9 April 2009 29 December 2009 Phil Wilkinson 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. 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. Ainscough again carved out a lead for Wigan in the second half, and Roberts converted from the sideline. 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. Prior to their next match, Barrow Raiders confirmed that they had signed Lee Mossop on a month-long loan. Round 9 – Catalans Dragons100% 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 PeloG BirdJ Ryles (2)G MounisGoals: T Bosc (6) Tries: P RichardsA RobertsM GleesonS AinscoughS TomkinsGoals: 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.http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/09/04/13/RUGBYL_Catalans_Nightlead.html Catalans Dragons 40 Wigan 24 Sporting Life 13 April 2009 30 December 2009 Wigan scored fourteen points in return, with three tries from Roberts, Ainscough and Gleeson and one conversion for a 4–14 lead. A ten-point lead proved precarious as Catalans ran in thirty-six unanswered points, the first of them coming through a Greg Bird try. 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. The Catalans fullback Clint Greenshields scored first after the break and also scored the next try. Ryles also scored a second try of his own to open a twenty-six-point deficit. Tomkins and Richards gave Wigan two late tries, but the match by then was all but finished. Similarly to Mossop, Darrell Goulding completed a transfer to Salford City Reds on a month-long loan deal. After an extension to this deal in May, Goulding was to be eventually recalled on 7 July to cope with an injury crisis. Round 10 – Celtic Crusaders100% Date: 19 April Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: S Ganson Half-time: 20–4 Attendance: 12,371 RFL report WIGAN 44–10 Celtic Tries: A RobertsG CarmontP Richards (2)M RiddellS O'Loughlin (2)S Tomkins (2)Goals: A Roberts (2)P Richards (2) Tries: L DyerM Dalle CortGoals: 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.http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3086314,00.html Wigan enjoy last Crusaders Sky Sports 19 April 2009 21 January 2010 Celtic led after two minutes, when Luke Dyer pounced for a try after Phelps mistakenly let the ball bounce into the in-goal area. 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. Two more tries came for Wigan before half-time with Riddell and Roberts both scoring one each. Sam Tomkins scored not long after the break thanks to a run from Palea'asesina. Carmont stretched the lead further with a try of his own, and O'Loughlin scored his second try of the match. Damien Quinn was sin-binned in his 100th competitive appearance for the Crusaders—Marshall Chalk was also sin-binned later on.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/apr/20/celtic-crusaders-wigan-warriors-super-league Celtic Crusaders crushed by eight-try Wigan as winless newcomers flounder The Guardian 20 April 2009 21 January 2009 Gareth Walker London Richards claimed his second try almost instantly after Quinn's dismissal. 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. 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,http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Warriors-keep-eye-on-Myler.5193749.jp Warriors keep eye on Myler Wigan Today 22 April 2009 21 January 2010 although neither club were successful in their approaches to the player. Warrington Wolves would eventually sign Myler later in the year.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/6147280/Richie-Myler-heads-list-of-Warrington-signings.html Richie Myler heads list of Warrington signings 6 September 2009 21 January 2010 Michael Fisher London The Daily Telegraph Meanwhile, Thomas Leuluai extended his contract with the club for a further three years.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/apr/22/hull-kr-coach-justin-morgan-british-record-fine Hull KR coach Justin Morgan handed record British fine The Guardian 22 April 2009 21 January 2010 Andy Wilson London Round 11 – Wakefield Trinity Wildcats100% 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 GleesonC 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.http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3086324,00.html Ainscough stars in Wigan win Sky Sports 24 April 2009 22 January 2010 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. Tim Smith linked with Cameron Phelps, who was switched from fullback to center in Carmont's absence, for Wigan's first try. 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. 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. Wakefield took the lead shortly after the break as Blanch took advantage of Ainscough's weak defence for his second try. 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.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Ainscough-grabs-four-tries-against.5204850.jp Ainscough grabs four Wigan Today 24 April 2009 21 January 2010 Phil Wilkinson 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. Gleeson scored in the final ten minutes to put the game beyond the home side's reach. May Round 12 – St Helens RLFC100% 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 LeuluaiG HockS O'LoughlinJ TomkinsGoals: P Richards (7) Tries: P WellensL PryceS LongGoals: 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."http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Noble-delight-at-Leuluai-Test.5226232.jp Noble delight at Leuluai Test snub Wigan Today 1 May 2009 22 January 2010 Tony Dewhurst 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.http://www.skysports.com/tv_show/story/0,20144,12387_5256446_12387,00.html Let's give Scots a try Sky Sports 29 April 2009 22 January 2010 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.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/may/02/st-helens-wigan-super-league Brilliant Wigan produce Edinburgh magic to beat St Helens The Guardian 2 May 2009 22 January 2010 London 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. This was further extended after Gareth Hock scored after 29 minutes. 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. 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. 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. 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.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_5274075,00.html Wigan chairman praises Noble Sky Sports 3 May 2009 22 January 2010 Challenge Cup round 5 – Wakefield Trinity Wildcats100% Date: 9 May Venue: Belle Vue Referee: P Bentham Half-time: 11–16 Attendance: 4,883 RFL report Wakefield 17–28 WIGAN Tries: J DemetriouT Leo-LatuT MartinGoals: D Brough (3)Drops: D Brough Tries: G CarmontM McIlorumC PhelpsS FieldenS TomkinsGoals: 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,http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_5285570,00.html Atkins hails Mr Motivator Sky Sports 5 May 2009 22 January 2010 and in 1998 when his Sheffield Eagles side defeated Wigan 17–8 in the final, three years after Wigan's last of a record eight consecutive Challenge Cup final victories.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/challenge_cup/4158148.stm Roll of honour BBC 26 August 2006 23 February 2011 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.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/5301119/Stuart-Fielden-ends-two-year-wait-to-cap-Wigan-fightback-against-Wakefield.html Stuart Fielden ends two-year wait to cap Wigan fightback against Wakefield The Daily Telegraph 9 May 2009 22 January 2010 Ian Laybourn London 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. 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. Wakefield went ahead for the third time twelve minutes after the break, with a grubber kick from Brough being gathered by Tony Martin. Stuart Fielden then scored his first try in two years before Sam Tomkins finished the game with a try of his own making. The fourth goal of the match meant the final scores were 17–28; a win for Wigan which advanced them to the quarter-finals. 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.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8042939.stm Saints sent to Gateshead in Cup BBC 10 May 2009 24 February 2010 Round 13 – Hull Kingston Rovers100% 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.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8042939.stm Tomkins avoids ban Sky Sports 12 May 2009 24 February 2010 Goulding extended his loan spell at Salford City Reds, but with a condition that Wigan could recall him with 24 hours notice.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_5321920,00.html Goulding extends Salford loan Sky Sports 13 May 2009 24 February 2010 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.http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/wigan-12-hull-kr-20-919739 Wigan 12 Hull KR 20 15 May 2009 Manchester Evening News 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. 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. 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. Round 14 – Warrington Wolves100% 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.http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/2009/05/19/wigan-s-lee-mossop-joins-super-league-rivals-huddersfield-giants-100252-23658262/ Wigan's Lee Mossop joins Super League rivals Huddersfield Giants Liverpool Echo 19 May 2009 22 September 2009 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.http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Noble-growing-impatient-over-Warriors.5294276.jp Noble growing impatient over Warriors future Wigan Today 22 May 2009 24 February 2010 Tony Dewhurst Wigan had not won a game in Warrington since 2003, and despite leading for over half the match, failed to break this record.http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3089723,00.html Wolves too fierce for Warrington Sky Sports 23 May 2009 24 February 2010 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. 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. 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. Warrington then applied a sustained twenty minute period of pressure, but errors from Westwood and Briers kept them off the scoresheet. Briers weighted his next kick better, with Matt King out-jumping Shaun Ainscough to score Warrington's first try. 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. 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. Michael Monaghan shimmied past three Wigan defenders to finish the game off with another Warrington try. Challenge Cup Quarter-final – Salford City Reds100% 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.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/may/25/castleford-wigan-challenge-cup Challenge Cup injury gloom for Castleford and Wigan The Guardian 25 May 2009 24 February 2010 Andy Wilson London 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.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/fielden-appeals-ban-1691625.html Fielden appeals ban The Independent 28 May 2009 24 February 2010 Dave Hadfield London 2 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090602083814/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/fielden-appeals-ban-1691625.html dead Without Smith and Fielden, Wigan comprehensively beat Salford City Reds 28–6 to advance to the semi-finals stage of the tournament.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8071490.stm Wigan 28–6 Salford BBC 29 May 2009 24 February 2010 Gareth Hock gave the home side the lead, before Salford equalised with a try from Luke Adamson. 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. Another knock-on, this time from Richards, denied Wigan another try. 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. 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. Hock scored the final try, his second, after Tomkins had come close, to finish the game in favour of the Warriors. 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,https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jul/30/rugbyleague.sport1 Catalans' triumph caps Wigan's week of woe The Guardian 30 July 2007 24 February 2010 Andy Wilson London and it was Warrington Wolves who were drawn as their 2009 semi-final opponents.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8076184.stm Giants face Saints in semi-final BBC 1 June 2009 24 February 2010 June Round 15 – Salford City Reds100% Date: 5 June Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: I Smith Half-time: 28–6 Attendance: 11,550 RFL report WIGAN 34–18 Salford Tries: G CarmontP Richards (2)T SmithM RiddellH HansenGoals: P Richards (5) Tries: M HenryM AlkerL SwainGoals: J Wilshere Round 16 – Celtic Crusaders100% 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 CortJ Van DijkP LuptonGoals: M Lennon (3) Tries: A RobertsC PhelpsH HansenGoals: P Richards (2) Round 18 – Hull Kingston Rovers100% 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 WebsterM VellaD FitzhenryGoals: M Dobson (4) Tries: P Bailey (2)G CarmontP Richards (2)H HansenS TomkinsGoals: P Richards (4) July Round 19 – Harlequins RL100% Date: 3 July Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: S Ganson Half-time: 24–6 Attendance: 14,977 RFL report https://web.archive.org/web/20090708135945/http://www.superleague.co.uk/report.php?id=3086381 8 July 2009 WIGAN 40–12 Harlequins RL Tries: A RobertsK PryceG CarmontP RichardsT Leuluai (2)M RiddellJ TomkinsGoals: P Richards (4) Tries: L GaleM GafaGoals: D Orr (2) Round 20 – Catalans Dragons100% Date: 10 July Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: B Thaler Half-time: 10–12 Attendance: 11,543 RFL report WIGAN 24–22 Catalans Tries: A RobertsD GouldingG CarmontP Richards (2)Goals: P Richards (2) Tries: S BellD PeloO ElimaG BirdGoals: T Bosc (3) Round 21 – Bradford Bulls100% Date: 19 July Venue: Grattan Stadium Referee: R Silverwood Half-time: 0–6 Attendance: 9,487 RFL report Bradford 14–20 WIGAN Tries: C NeroJ DonaldsonGoals: P Deacond (3) Tries: A RobertsM GleesonP RichardsJ TomkinsGoals: P Richards (2) Round 22 – Leeds Rhinos100% Date: 24 July Venue: JJB Stadium Referee: P Bentham Half-time: 6–10 Attendance: 20,295 RFL report WIGAN 28–10 Leeds Tries: G CarmontS TomkinsJ TomkinsH HansenGoals: P Richards (6) Tries: S DonaldD McGuireGoals: K Sinfield Round 23 – St Helens RLFC100% Date: 31 July Venue: GPW Recruitment Stadium Referee: B Thaler Half-time: 4–6 Attendance: 15,563 RFL report https://web.archive.org/web/20110109092802/http://superleague.co.uk/report.php?id=3086421 9 January 2011 St Helens 10–6 WIGAN Tries: M GidleyK EastmondGoals: K Eastmond Tries: S TomkinsP Richards August Challenge Cup Semi-final – Warrington Wolves100% 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 BaileyS TomkinsA ColeyT LeuluaiGoals: P Richards (5) Tries: M King (3)L AndersonL BriersM CooperC HicksGoals: C Bridge (5) Round 24 – Warrington Wolves100% Date: 14 August Venue: DW Stadium Referee: R Silverwood Half-time: 22–4 Attendance: 13,452 RFL report WIGAN 36–16 Warrington Tries: C PhelpsA RobertsM GleesonG Carmont (2)P RichardsT LeuluaiGoals: P Richards (4) Tries: V AndersonC RileyC BridgeGoals: C Bridge (2) Round 25 – Castleford Tigers100% Date: 23 August Venue: The Jungle Referee: S Ganson Half-time: 8–16 Attendance: 6,574 RFL report Castleford 26–29 WIGAN Tries: M ShentonK Dixon (2)B FerresD WiddersGoals: K DixonJ Westerman (2) Tries: S Tomkins (3)T Leuluai (2)Goals: P Richards (4)Drops: S Tomkins September Round 26 – Hull FC100% 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 TomkinsI Palea'aesinaGoals: P Richards (5) Tries: C HallT BriscoeR HorneD TickleGoals: C HallD Tickle (2) Round 27 – Huddersfield Giants100% Date: 13 September Venue: Galpharm Stadium Referee: I Smith Half-time: 18–10 Attendance: 8,988 RFL report Huddersfield 48–16 WIGAN Tries: B HodgsonL Cudjoe (3)P WhatuiraD HodgsonS Lunt (2)Goals: B Hodgson (8) Tries: P RichardsJ TomkinsM FlanaganGoals: P Richards (2) EPO – Castleford Tigers100% Date: 20 September Venue: DW Stadium Referee: I Smith Half-time: 12–0 Attendance: 8,689 RFL report WIGAN 18–12 Castleford Tries: A RobertsG CarmontH HansenGoals: P Richards (3) Tries: C HubyJ WestermanGoals: J Westerman (2) PSF – Hull Kingston Rovers100% 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 FoxK WelhamC I'AnsonGoals: M Dobson (2) Tries: M Gleeson (2)G CarmontP RichardsI Palea'aesinaGoals: P Richards (5) October QSF – St Helens RLFC100% 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 LongGoals: K Eastmond Tries: G CarmontP RichardsGoals: P Richards Transfers thumb|right|300px|Amos Roberts, one of two pre-season signings made by Wigan. Transfers in Pos Name From Date Notes HK Mark Riddell Parramatta Eels 14 May 2008http://www.wiganwarriors.com/news_full.asp?newsid=3869 Warriors Capture Mark Riddell Wigan Warriors 14 May 2008 22 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20080521104857/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/news_full.asp?newsid=3869 21 May 2008 dead WG Amos Roberts Sydney Roosters 22 January 2009http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/amos-roberts-joins-wigan-from-roosters-20090122-7nte.html Amos Roberts joins Wigan from Roosters The Sydney Morning Herald 22 January 2009 22 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20120426172331/http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/amos-roberts-joins-wigan-from-roosters-20090122-7nte.html 26 April 2012 dead CE Martin Gleeson Warrington Wolves 6 April 2009https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/5115381/Martin-Gleeson-joins-hometown-club-Wigan.html Martin Gleeson joins hometown club Wigan The Telegraph 6 April 2009 22 September 2009 Fisher Michael London Transfers out Pos Name To Date Notes SO Trent Barrett Cronulla Sharks 5 June 2008https://www.totalrl.com/former-wigan-legend-barrett-out-of-sharks-running/ Former Wigan star Barrett out of Sharks running Total Rugby League 30 January 2019 WG Mark Calderwood Hull 11 September 2008http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/hull-fc/Former-Leeds-Rhino-Mark-Calderwood.4483503.jp Former Leeds Rhino Mark Calderwood joins Hull FC Yorkshire Post 11 September 2008 22 September 2009 HK Mickey Higham Warrington Wolves 15 September 2008https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/2965931/Warrington-sign-up-Garreth-Carvell-and-Mickey-Higham.html Warrington sign up Garreth Carvell and Mickey Higham The Telegraph 15 September 2008 22 September 2009 Burke David London WG Liam Colbon Hull Kingston Rovers 18 September 2008https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/hull_kr/7622909.stm Colbon to leave Wigan for Hull KR 18 September 2008 BBC News FB Richie Mathers Warrington Wolves 6 April 2009 Loans out Pos Name To Date from Until Notes SR Lee Mossop Barrow Raiders 9 April 2009 9 May 2009http://www.timesandstar.co.uk/barrow_sign_ex_hensingham_forward_mossop_on_loan_from_wigan_1_539121?referrerPath=sport/junior Barrow sign ex-Hensingham forward Mossop on loan from Wigan Times & Star 9 April 2009 22 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110719190810/http://www.timesandstar.co.uk/barrow_sign_ex_hensingham_forward_mossop_on_loan_from_wigan_1_539121?referrerPath=sport%2Fjunior 19 July 2011 dead Huddersfield Giants 19 May 2009 19 June 2009 19 June 2009 7 July 2009https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/wigan-recall-goulding-and-mossop-1734444.html Wigan recall Goulding and Mossop The Independent 7 July 2009 22 September 2009 Hadfield Dave London 28 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110228121741/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/wigan-recall-goulding-and-mossop-1734444.html deadhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sol/ifs_sport/mobile/newsid_8100000/newsid_8105000/8105026.stm Huddersfield extend Mossop loan British Broadcasting Corporation 17 June 2009 22 September 2009 CE Darrell Goulding Salford City Reds 14 April 2009 14 May 2009https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/apr/14/salford-wigan-darren-goulding Salford seal loan deal for Wigan centre Darrell Goulding The Guardian 14 April 2009 22 September 2009 London 14 May 2009 7 July 2009 Player statistics thumb|right|150px|Pat Richards, Wigan's leading try and goal scorer for 2009. thumb|right|150px|Gareth Hock, who was suspended for testing positive for cocaine in 2009. Numbers in parentheses 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 1https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/feb/08/rugby-super-league-wigan-wakefield-adam-watene Wakefield honour Watene with stunning win at Wigan The Guardian 8 February 2009 14 September 2009 Wilson Andy London 0 http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/Super_League_XIV_2009/Wigan/summary.html Super League XIV 2009 – Wigan Warriors Rugby League Project 14 September 2009 2 WG Amos Roberts 29 4 12 0 5 1 0 0 33 60 0 0 https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/apr/05/barrow-raiders-wigan-warriors-challenge-cup Barrow Raiders give Wigan a fright in the Challenge Cup The Guardian 5 April 2009 15 September 2009 Walker Gareth Londonhttp://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/wildcats-match-report/Wakefield-Trinity-Wildcats-bow-out.5251775.jp Wakefield Trinity Wildcats bow out of Carnegie Challenge Cup to Wigan Warriors Wakefield Express 9 May 2009 15 September 2009https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/may/29/wigan-salford-challenge-cup Richards treble sinks Reds to take heat off Noble The Guardian 29 May 2009 15 September 2009 Wilson Andy Londonhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/solpda/ifs_sport/hi/newsid_8184000/8184228.stm Wigan 26–39 Warrington BBC 8 August 2009 15 September 2009 Hudson ElizabethSeptember 2025 medicmedic 3 CE Darrell Goulding 6 (3) 1 (1) 2 0 0 0 0 0 7 (4) 8 0 0 4 CE George Carmont 26 4 15 3 0 0 0 0 30 72 0 0 5 WG Pat Richards 28 3 20 3 89 13 0 0 31 296 0 0 6 SO Tim Smith 12 (1) 2 (1) 1 0 0 0 0 0 14 (2) 4 0 0 7 SH Thomas Leuluai 30 4 9 1 0 0 0 0 34 40 1https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/8139004.stm Wigan 24–22 Catalans BBC 10 July 2009 15 September 2009 0 8 PR Stuart Fielden 30 (17) 2 (1) 0 1 0 0 0 0 32 (18) 4 0 0 9 HK Mark Riddell 28 (3) 3 3 0 0 1 0 0 31 (3) 14 0 0 10 PR Iafeta Palea'aesina 30 (27) 4 (3) 2 0 0 0 0 0 34 (30) 8 0 0 11 SR Gareth Hock 15 2 4 2 0 0 0 0 17 24 0 0 12 SR Phil Bailey 18 4 5 1 0 0 0 0 22 24 0 0 13 LF Sean O'Loughlin (c) 25 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 29 20 0 0 14 SR Joel Tomkins 29 (10) 4 (3) 7 0 0 0 0 0 33 (13) 28 0 0 15 PR Andy Coley 29 (4) 4 (1) 0 1 0 0 0 0 33 (5) 4 1https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/8222536.stm Wigan 34–22 Hull BBC 4 September 2009 15 September 2009 0 16 SR Harrison Hansen 26 (9) 3 (1) 7 0 0 0 0 0 29 (10) 28 1http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Warriors-lose-against-Huddersfield.5118125.jp A Giant loss Wigan Today 27 March 2009 15 September 2009 Wilkinson Phil 0 17 HK Michael McIlorum 17 (12) 2 (1) 0 1 0 0 0 0 19 (13) 4 0 0 19 SR Paul Prescott 24 (7) 4 (1) 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 (8) 0 0 0 20 WG Karl Pryce 6 (2) 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 7 (2) 12 0 0 21 FB Cameron Phelps 23 3 5 1 0 0 0 0 26 24 0 0 22 CE Martin Gleeson 19 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 22 24 0 0 23 PR Eamon O'Carroll 6 (4) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 (4) 0 0 0 24 SR Lee Mossop 9 (9) 1 (1) 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 (10) 0 0 0 25 SO Sam Tomkins 23 (5) 4 (1) 12 3 0 0 1 0 27 (6) 61 1https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/wigan-stroll-to-easy-win-1731337.html Wigan stroll to easy win The Independent 4 July 2009 15 September 2009 Hadfield Dave London 4 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104100939/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/wigan-stroll-to-easy-win-1731337.html dead 0 26 HK Mark Flanagan 10 (7) 1 (1) 1 0 0 0 0 0 11 (8) 4 0 0 28 WG Shaun Ainscough 11 1 13 3 0 0 0 0 12 64 0 0 Fixtures LEGEND   Win   Draw   Loss Super League thumb|Wigan vs St Helens in the Super League XIV Super League XIV Round Opponent Score H/A Attendance Date 17 Wakefield 12 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 6–12 Home 14,377 8 February 2009 1 Hull FC 12 Hull 18–10 Away 14,523 13 February 2009 2 Castleford 12 Castleford Tigers 22–28 https://web.archive.org/web/20090225025054/http://www.superleague.co.uk/report.php?id=3086255 25 February 2009 Home 12,079 20 February 2009 3 Harlequins 12 Harlequins RL 18–24 https://web.archive.org/web/20090302075042/http://www.superleague.co.uk/report.php?id=3086266 2 March 2009 Away 3,883 28 February 2009 4 Bradford 12 Bradford Bulls 44–10 Home 12,588 6 March 2009 5 Leeds 12 Leeds Rhinos 34–10 Away 17,677 13 March 2009 6 Salford City 12 Salford City Reds 12–38 Away 7,016 20 March 2009 7 Huddersfield 12 Huddersfield Giants 8–22 Home 11,670 27 March 2009 8 St Helens 12 St Helens R.F.C. 12–19 https://web.archive.org/web/20090413031450/http://www.superleague.co.uk/report.php?id=3086298 13 April 2009 Home 22,232 9 April 2009 9 Catalans 12 Catalans Dragons 40–24 Away 9,490 13 April 2009 10 Celtic 12 Crusaders 44–10 Home 12,371 19 April 2009 11 Wakefield 12 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 26–40 Away 5,521 26 April 2009 12 St Helens 12 St Helens RLFC 38–18 Neutral 29,627 3 May 2009 13 Hull KR 12 Hull Kingston Rovers 12–20 Home 13,415 15 May 2009 14 Warrington 12 Warrington Wolves 16–8 Away 10,718 24 May 2009 15 Salford City 12 Salford City Reds 34–18 Home 11,550 5 June 2009 16 Celtic 12 Celtic Crusaders 22–16 Away 5,253 13 June 2009 18 Hull KR 12 Hull Kingston Rovers 28–36 Away 9,007 28 June 2009 19 Harlequins 12 Harlequins RL 40–12 https://web.archive.org/web/20090708135945/http://www.superleague.co.uk/report.php?id=3086381 8 July 2009 Home 14,977 3 July 2009 20 Catalans 12 Catalans Dragons 24–22 Home 11,543 10 July 2009 21 Bradford 12 Bradford Bulls 14–20 https://web.archive.org/web/20090720181500/http://www.superleague.co.uk/report.php?id=3086406 20 July 2009 Away 9,487 19 July 2009 22 Leeds 12 Leeds Rhinos 28–10 Home 20,295 24 July 2009 23 St Helens 12 St Helens RLFC 10–6 https://web.archive.org/web/20110109092802/http://superleague.co.uk/report.php?id=3086421 9 January 2011 Away 15,563 31 July 2009 24 Warrington 12 Warrington Wolves 36–16 Home 13,452 14 August 2009 25 Castleford 12 Castleford Tigers 22–29 Away 6,574 23 August 2009 26 Hull FC 12 Hull FC 34–22 Home 12,491 4 September 2009 27 Huddersfield 12 Huddersfield Giants 48–16 Away 8,988 13 September 2009 EPO Elimination play-off Castleford 12 Castleford Tigers 18–12 https://web.archive.org/web/20090923200841/http://www.superleague.co.uk/report.php?id=3195955 23 September 2009 Home 8,689 20 September 2009 PSF Preliminary semi-final Hull KR 12 Hull Kingston Rovers 16–30 Away 8,162 26 September 2009 QSF Qualifying semi-final St Helens 12 St Helens RLFC 14–10 Away 13,087 3 October 2009 Challenge Cup thumb|right|Shaun Ainscough, scoring against Barrow Raiders 2009 Challenge Cup Round Opponent Score H/A Attendance Date 4 Barrow 12 Barrow Raiders [C] 20–32 Away 6,275 5 April 2009 5 Wakefield 12 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats [SL] 17–28 Away 4,883 9 May 2009 QF Quarterfinal Salford City 12 Salford City Reds [SL] 28–6 Home 9,466 29 May 2009 SF Semifinal Warrington 12 Warrington Wolves [SL] 26–39 Neutral 12,975 8 August 2009 League table WIG 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 External links Wigan Warriors official site Category:Wigan Warriors seasons Wigan Warriors season