2011 Wigan Warriors season

May 2014 May 2014 2011 #D31718 #FFFFFF Super League Super League XVI 2nd 16 3 3 803 404 Semi-finals 2011 Challenge Cup Challenge Cup Winners; 28–18(vs Leeds Rhinos) 5 0 World Club Challenge Lost final; 15–21(vs St George Illawarra Dragons) 0 1 Chairman Ian Lenagan Head coach Michael Maguire Sean O'Loughlin DW Stadium 16,189 194,265 over twelve games 24,268; 27 February(vs St George Illawarra Dragons) 2010 2012 yes List of Wigan Warriors seasons The 2011 Wigan Warriors season is the club's 16th season in the Super League, since its launch in 1996. Michael Maguire carried on as head coach in what would be his last season, and Ian Lenagan continued as the club's chairman and owner. Wigan reverted to using a solo captain in Sean O'Loughlin, having used a "leadership team" during the previous season. The club played at the town's DW Stadium for its 12th consecutive full season. Wigan entered the season as defending champions, having won the 2010 Super League Grand Final against rivals St Helens R.F.C., and were pre-season favourites to do "The Double" in defending their championship and winning the Challenge Cup. They also had an opportunity as Super League XV winners to contest the 2011 World Club Challenge at the DW Stadium on 27 February, but lost to St George Illawarra Dragons. Their regular season opened against St Helens RLFC on 12 February with a 16–16 draw. Their Challenge Cup campaign started in the fourth round on 8 May with a 52–0 whitewash over the Barrow Raiders. This was then followed up by a 28–22 win over fellow Super League side Bradford Bulls, noted for the late challenge by Bradford's Gareth Raynor, on Sam Tomkins that knocked the Wigan man out cold as he scored Wigan's second try and wins over Warrington Wolves and St Helens R.F.C. to set up a Wembley Stadium showdown with Leeds Rhinos on 27 August 2011.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/tomkins-plays-down-vsign-row-after-wigan-roll-back-the-years-2345583.html Tomkins plays down v-sign row after Wigan roll back the years 29 August 2011 Independent 13 September 2011 24 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120124192751/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/tomkins-plays-down-vsign-row-after-wigan-roll-back-the-years-2345583.html dead In the final itself, Wigan would run out 28–18 victors to record their 18th success in the competition and lift the trophy for the first time at the new Wembley Stadium.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/aug/27/leeds-rhinos-wigan-warriors-challenge-cup Jeff Lima inspires Wigan Warriors to Challenge Cup win over Leeds 29 August 2011 Guardian 13 September 2011 Background History of Wigan Warriors right|thumb|320px|The DW Stadium, Wigan Warriors home ground Ian Lenagan continued on as chairman of the club which achieved a 'B' license under the Rugby Football League's franchise system in 2008.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/7519770.stm Three clubs given A grade licence 23 July 2008 BBC Sport 13 November 2009 Although Wigan's 2010 Challenge Cup campaign ended in the quarter-finals following a loss to the Leeds Rhinos,http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8708160.stm Leeds beat Wigan to reach Challenge Cup semi-finals BBC 29 May 2010 13 February 2011 the Super League campaign ended with a 22–10 victory over St Helens R.F.C. in the Grand Final at Old Trafford,https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/oct/02/wigan-st-helens-grand-final Wigan turn St Helens into sinners with Super League Grand Final win BBC Andy Wilson 2 October 2010 13 February 2011 having already won the League Leader's Shield for finishing on top the Super League table at the close of the regular season.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/7959030/Wigan-claim-first-League-Leaders-Shield-for-10-years-with-win-at-Hull-Kingston-Rovers.html Wigan claim first League Leaders' Shield for 10 years with win at Hull Kingston Rovers The Daily Telegraph 22 August 2010 13 February 2011 This was the club's second Super League title, their first since Super League III in 1998. By virtue of becoming Super League premiers, the club was automatically entered into the 2011 World Club Challenge to play the Australasian 2010 National Rugby League premiers, the St. George Illawarra Dragons.July 2020 Michael Maguire entered his second year as head coach, despite speculation he would return to his native Australia,http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12215_6736950,00.html Maguire – I'm happy at Wigan Sky Sports 7 February 2011 13 February 2011 following his debut year in which he brought the club's first major honour since Stuart Raper guided Wigan to success in the 2002 Challenge Cup final.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/challenge_cup/1952991.stm Wigan shock favourites Saints BBC 27 April 2002 13 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20040729094712/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/challenge_cup/1952991.stm 29 July 2004 live Having used a "leadership team" consisting of Sean O'Loughlin, George Carmont, Thomas Leuluai, Andy Coley, Phil Bailey and Joel Tomkins, the team opted to have O'Loughlin as their sole captain.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jan/28/wigan-sean-oloughlin-single-captain Wigan revert back to Sean O'Loughlin as single captain for 2011 season The Guardian 28 January 2011 3 February 2011 Andy Wilson The 2011 season was the club's sixteenth in the Super League as an ever-present side in the competition.http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/teams/Wigan_Warriors/seasons.html Wigan Warriors – Seasons Rugby League Project 13 November 2009 It was also the twelfth full season playing at the DW Stadium, which the club had shared with football side Wigan Athletic F.C. since 1999.http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=37 DW Stadium – Facts & Figures Wigan Warriors 16 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110314191638/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=37 14 March 2011 dead dmy-all The salary cap that all Super League XVI teams had to abide by remained unchanged from the previous year at GBP£1.65 million, although a slight change was made for the 2011 season to provide more space for a club's own-trained players.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/8309498/St-Helens-captain-Paul-Wellens-issues-Super-League-salary-cap-plea-to-prevent-players-from-switching-codes.html St Helens captain Paul Wellens issues Super League salary cap plea to prevent players from switching codes The Daily Telegraph Rob Stewart 7 February 2011 13 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110310042029/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/8309498/St-Helens-captain-Paul-Wellens-issues-Super-League-salary-cap-plea-to-prevent-players-from-switching-codes.html 10 March 2011 live Pre-season Following the completion of the domestic 2010 seasons in both the Super League and the National Rugby League, the international season began with the 2010 Four Nations, this year held in Australia and New Zealand. Thomas Leuluai was the only British-based player to be named in the New Zealand Kiwis squad for the tournament—Greg Eastwood played for Leeds Rhinos during 2010 and was also announced in the squad, but returned to Canterbury Bulldogs at the end of the season.Wilson Andy Wigan hero Thomas Leuluai only British-based player in Kiwis squad https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/oct/05/thomas-leuluai-new-zealand-wigan 28 June 2011 The Guardian 5 October 2010Leeds Rhinos agree to Greg Eastwood departure http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/leeds/8866938.stm 28 June 2011 BBC 29 July 2010 Sam Tomkins, who was named Rookie of the Year at the Rugby League International Federation awards, was named in the England team along with Darrell Goulding, Sean O'Loughlin and Stuart Fielden.Sam Tomkins named international rookie of the year http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9149736.stm 28 June 2011 BBC 3 November 2010Adrian Morley to captain England in Four Nations https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/oct/04/adrian-morley-england-rugby-league 28 June 2011 The Guardian 4 October 2010 Leuluai featured in a pre-Four Nations test match against Samoa, while Tomkins was influential in England's 18–18 warm-up match against New Zealand Māori, helping to set up a Ryan Atkins try and scoring one of his own.Brown Michael League: Kiwis seize control, thump Samoa http://www.nzherald.co.nz/league/news/article.cfm?c_id=79&objectid=10681134 29 June 2011 The New Zealand Herald 17 October 2010New Zealand Maori 18 England 18: match report https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/8068125/New-Zealand-Maori-18-England-18-match-report.html 28 June 2011 The Daily Telegraph 16 October 2010 However, no Wigan player managed to score for England in the whole tournament as the national team only managed one win against the minnows, Papua New Guinea.England 36–10 Papua New Guinea http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9162898.stm 28 June 2011 BBC 6 November 2010 In contrast, Leuluai played in a Kiwis side which made the final, and stole victory from Australia with a Nathan Fien try in the 79th minute at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.Australia 12–16 New Zealand http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9181530.stm 28 June 2011 BBC 13 November 2010 At the start of the pre-season, Wigan immediately lost two players in Josh Veivers and Stuart Howarth from the club's academy, both of whom signed for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.Wakefield Wildcats sign Veivers and Howarth from Wigan http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wakefield/9092056.stm 29 June 2011 BBC 15 October 2010 It was also confirmed that Cameron Phelps would not be offered an extension to his contract, which expired at the end of the 2010 season.Departing Cam thanks fans http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/departing_cam_thanks_fans_1_2621252 29 June 2011 Wigan Evening Post 28 October 2010Karl Pryce agrees new Wigan Warriors contract http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9224498.stm 29 June 2011 BBC 24 November 2010 However, George Carmont and Karl Pryce were both given a one-year contract for the 2011 season.George Carmont signs new one-year Wigan contract http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9158590.stm 29 June 2011 BBC 4 November 2010 Michael Maguire refuted speculation that Josh Charnley was to join Harlequins RL on a season-long loan, while Chris Tuson also agreed a contract extension which would keep him at Wigan until the end of the 2012 season with an additional year optional.Young gun Josh is still a Warrior http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/young_gun_josh_is_still_a_warrior_1_2803118 29 June 2011 Wigan Evening Post 30 November 2010Chris Tuson signs new Wigan Warriors contract http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9254268.stm 29 June 2011 BBC 3 December 2010 Academy player Matthew Sarsfield signed a three-year contract with Huddersfield Giants.Giants swoop for Sarsfield http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12214_6632075,00.html 29 June 2011 Sky Sports 3 January 2011 Pryce and Joe Mellor were confirmed in a one-year loan deal to Harlequins, while both Sam and Joel Tomkins along with Charnley and Liam Farrell were given five-year contract extensions, with Goudling and Harrison Hansen being offered three-year extensions.Harlequins confirm loan deal for Wigan's Karl Pryce and Joe Mellor https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jan/25/karl-pryce-joe-mellor-harlequins-loan 29 June 2011 The Guardian 25 January 2011Tomkins brothers sign new deals with Wigan http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9387994.stm 29 June 2011 BBC 4 February 2011 This completed Wigan's transfer activity during the pre-season, in addition to the signings of Brett Finch, Ryan Hoffman and Jeff Lima made midway through the 2010 season.Ricketts Steve Brett Finch, Ryan Hoffman, Jeff Lima leave Melbourne Storm http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/brett-finch-ryan-hoffman-jeff-lima-leave-melbourne-storm/story-e6frfgbo-1225894283214 29 June 2011 Herald Sun 20 July 2010 Three pre-season friendlies were played as a warm-up to the 2011 campaign. Firstly Wigan faced Salford City Reds at The Willows, where a team largely consistent with the 2010 Grand Final winning side, plus the additions of new arrivals Hoffman and Lima, was ultimately too much for Salford to hold back, with the Reds' head coach Shaun McRae describing Wigan as "the team to beat"Barker Neil Salford 24 Wigan 30 http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/rugby_league/s/1405474_salford_24_wigan_30 29 June 2011 Manchester Evening News 17 January 2011 for the 2011 season. A young Wigan side then defeated the Barrow Raiders 24–32 at Craven Park in a testimonial match.Raiders edged by Wigan in McDermott testimonial http://www.nwemail.co.uk/raiders/raiders-edged-by-wigan-in-mcdermott-testimonial-1.801804?referrerPath=home 29 June 2011 North West Evening Mail 23 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20121008184311/http://www.nwemail.co.uk/raiders/raiders-edged-by-wigan-in-mcdermott-testimonial-1.801804?referrerPath=home 8 October 2012 dead dmy-all In a second testimonial, this time for Jon Clarke, the Warriors won their final pre-season friendly against Warrington Wolves.Warrington Wolves 18 Wigan Warriors 24 http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/wolves/wolvesnews/8828981.FULL_TIME__PICTURES_ADDED__Warrington_Wolves_18_Wigan_Warriors_24/ 29 June 2011 Warrington Guardian 2 February 2011 LEGEND   Win   Draw   Loss Opponent Score H/A Home/Away Date Salford City 12 Salford City Reds 24–30 Away 16 January 2011 Barrow 12 Barrow Raiders 24–32 Away 23 January 2011 Warrington 12 Warrington Wolves 18–24 Away 2 February 2011 Regular season February Wigan's regular season started with a 16–all draw against derby rivals St Helens R.F.C. in front of a 30,891 crowd at the Millennium Stadium—a match in which three Wigan scores, including a debut try for Ryan Hoffman, were cancelled out by three Saints tries late in the second half.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/9393298.stm St Helens 16-16 Wigan 12 February 2011 Jeff Lima, who also made his debut during the first round robin game of the season, received a two match ban for alleged chicken wing tackles, meaning he missed the World Club Challenge later in the month.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12215_6754855,00.html Lima banned for two games Sky Sports 15 February 2011 16 February 2011 However, a 0–26 half-time lead proved too much for Bradford Bulls as the Warriors won their next game comfortably, although Martin Gleeson picked up a hamstring injury.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/8337082/Bradford-10-Wigan-44-match-report.html Bradford 10 Wigan 44: match report The Daily Telegraph 20 February 2011 20 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110310042007/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/8337082/Bradford-10-Wigan-44-match-report.html 10 March 2011 live For the World Club Challenge, which was the first match of the 2011 season played at Wigan's DW Stadium, Stuart Fielden had to be withdrawn from the squad on match day due to injury.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/feb/27/wigan-st-george-illawarra-world-club-challenge Wigan Warriors make brave attempt but Dragons are still worlds apart The Guardian 27 February 2011 27 March 2011 Andy Wilson Gleeson was deemed fit enough to play and therefore started, but had to be withdrawn early against St George Illawarra Dragons because of his hamstring injury, a game which Wigan lost thanks to a Jamie Soward try despite the home side leading by one point at half-time. In the week preceding the World Club Challenge, the Manchester Evening News alleged that during the pre-season, Gleeson had been the target of blackmail which had included death threats, and that on 13 December 2010 he had contacted the police about the matter.http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1409264_wigan_rugby_league_star_martin_gleeson_received_death_threats_in_blackmail_plot Wigan rugby league star Martin Gleeson 'received death threats in blackmail plot' Manchester Evening News 25 February 2011 27 March 2011 Mike Keegan 2 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110302075308/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1409264_wigan_rugby_league_star_martin_gleeson_received_death_threats_in_blackmail_plot dead According to the newspaper, three men were arrested in relation to the claims, but Gleeson refused to assist the police further with their investigations and the case collapsed. March In their round four match, in which Lima made his return from suspension, a spirited Salford City Reds effort in the first half kept the visiting Wigan side to a six-point lead at half-time, but three-second half tries allowed the Warriors to pull away and put the World Club Challenge defeat behind them.http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_preview/0,19936,11070_3343362,00.html City Reds v Warriors: Teams Sky Sports 4 March 2011 27 March 2011http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3343362,00.html Warriors battle past Reds Sky Sports 4 March 2011 27 March 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110307232337/http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0%2C19936%2C11070_3343362%2C00.html 7 March 2011 dmy The team maintained their unbeaten start to the league campaign with a late fightback against Hull FC, despite Joel Tomkins being sent off and a last minute penalty to Hull which would have tied the game had it been scored, but Danny Tickle missed with his attempt.https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/wigan-14-hull-12-856162 Wigan 14 Hull 12 13 March 2011 The Tomkins brothers, Joel and Sam, both received match bans, two and one respectively, a decision which was upheld by the RFL following an appeal on Joel's ban.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_6815697,00.html Wigan lose Tomkins brothers Sky Sports 15 March 2011 27 March 2011 Paul Highamhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9424739.stm Wigan's Joel Tomkins loses his appeal against a ban BBC 16 March 2011 27 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110408080116/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9424739.stm 8 April 2011 live Nevertheless, Wigan defeated Huddersfield Giants with a comfortable 6–20 win despite also missing Paul Deacon, Pat Richards and Fielden in addition to the Tomkins.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/8392044/Huddersfield-Giants-6-Wigan-Warriors-20-match-report.html Huddersfield Giants 6 Wigan Warriors 20: match report The Daily Telegraph 18 March 2011 28 March 2011 Rob Stewart Pre-season signing Brett Finch made a try-scoring debut for the club, and Sam Tomkins returned from suspension to take on Warrington Wolves at the DW Stadium, but the last unbeaten start of Super League XVI fell as Wigan were easily beaten 6–24 by the visiting side.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/myler-has-the-last-say-in-wolves-triumph-2253574.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/myler-has-the-last-say-in-wolves-triumph-2253574.html 1 May 2022 subscription Myler has the last say in Wolves' triumph The Independent 26 March 2011 28 March 2011 Dave Hadfield Gleeson's omission from the squad that faced Salford, despite being injured in the previous match against St George Illawarra, fuelled speculation about his future at the club, rumours which both Michael Maguire and Ian Lenagan remained silent on.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9415552.stm Wigan silent on Martin Gleeson sacking speculation BBC 4 March 2011 27 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20140513190018/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9415552.stm 13 May 2014 live The BBC also raised doubts on the future of Richards at the club, after they reported that rugby union side Sale Sharks were interested in signing the 2010 Super League Man of Steel.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/12832994.stm Sale Sharks quiet on link to Wigan Warrior's Richards BBC 23 March 2011 28 March 2011http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_6829162,00.html Sharks hunting Richards Sky Sports 22 March 2011 28 March 2011 Tony Curtishttp://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/sale_ru_eye_pat_1_3207206 Sale RU eye Pat Wigan Today 22 March 2011 28 March 2011 The BBC also reported that Wigan were hopeful on Gareth Hock, who was banned by anti-doping authorities in 2009 for cocaine use, being allowed to train with the club two months prior to the ban's expiration date in June.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9440111.stm Wigan Warriors hope for early Gareth Hock return BBC 29 March 2011 30 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110408064844/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9440111.stm 8 April 2011 live April A game against Leeds Rhinos in round eight that seemed beyond Wigan's reach at 22–4 behind with Lima sin-binned ended in the Warriors' second draw of the season thanks to three tries late the second half, and an injury-time penalty kicked by Sam Tomkins.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9439007.stm Leeds Rhinos 22–22 Wigan Warriors BBC 1 April 2011 5 April 2011 Lima was charged and banned for one game for the incident which had him sin-binned.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,13995_6854543,00.html Lima out of Dragons clash Sky Sports 5 April 2011 6 April 2011 Richards returned for his first appearance since being injured in the 2010 Grand Final, but the club's winless streak stretched to three after being defeated by Catalans Dragons at home.http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3343396,00.html Warriors torched by Dragons Sky Sports 8 April 2011 15 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110411011337/http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0%2C19936%2C11070_3343396%2C00.html 11 April 2011 dmy Darrell Goulding was dropped for the team's next game against Hull Kingston Rovers, however the team welcomed back Deacon, Lima and Liam Farrell from injuries and suspensions.http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_preview/0,19936,11070_3343403,00.html Rovers v Warriors: Teams Sky Sports 14 April 2011 15 April 2011 Willie Mason scored his first Super League try, but Wigan defeated Hull Kingston Rovers 16–32 at Craven Park,http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9455872.stm Hull KR 16–28 Wigan BBC 15 April 2011 16 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110415073009/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9455872.stm 15 April 2011 live and followed this with another win as a last minute Farrell try stole a victory for Wigan against St Helens in the traditional Good Friday derby.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/apr/22/wigan-st-helens-super-league Wigan leave it late as Liam Farrell try breaks St Helens' hearts The Guardian Gareth Walker 22 April 2011 24 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110428090629/http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/apr/22/wigan-st-helens-super-league 28 April 2011 live Their second Easter weekend fixture was a whitewash as an unchanged Warriors side beat the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats for a third win in a row.http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3343418,00.html Wigan ease past Wildcats Sky Sports 25 April 2011 25 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110429032025/http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0%2C19936%2C11070_3343418%2C00.html 29 April 2011 dmy Following the Leeds game, Gleeson's time at his hometown club came to an end, with the club citing various reasons for the former Great Britain international's departure.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9415552.stm Wigan Warriors part with troubled Martin Gleeson BBC 4 April 2011 5 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20140513190018/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9415552.stm 13 May 2014 live A day later, the Rugby Football League cleared Hock to start training with the Warriors again.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9440111.stm Wigan Warriors' Hock cleared to train following ban BBC 5 April 2011 6 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110408064844/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/9440111.stm 8 April 2011 live In the wake of the Catalans loss, speculation in Australia over head coach Maguire's future at the club intensified after Wayne Bennett chose to be the new head coach of Newcastle Knights, leaving an open vacancy at South Sydney Rabbitohs.http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/plan-b-for-bunnies-as-maguire-deal-firms-20110412-1dcp8.html Plan B for Bunnies as Maguire deal firms Sydney Morning Herald Brad Walter 13 April 2011 15 April 2011 After the match against Hull Kingston Rovers, Lenagan made an official statement on behalf of the club revealing that Maguire had accepted an offer from South Sydney Rabbitohs, and would be leaving Wigan at the end of the 2011 season, with assistant coach Shaun Wane favourite to replace him.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/13060584.stm Wigan Warriors coach Michael Maguire to leave BBC 15 April 2011 16 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110416035426/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/13060584.stm 16 April 2011 live May Wigan continued their winning streak at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham over Crusaders RL, a result which took them to the top of the league table, tied on points with Warrington and Huddersfield.2011-05-01 Crusaders 16-48 Wigan http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9469383.stm 2020-10-25http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9469383.stm Crusaders 16–48 Wigan Warriors BBC 1 May 2011 1 May 2011 The team's first Challenge Cup fixture against Barrow Raiders was their next match, and with Jack Hughes making his first-team debut, the Warriors whitewashed their opponents to advance into a fifth round meeting against Bradford later in the month.Super League champions Wigan outclass Barrow http://www.nwemail.co.uk/raiders/wigan-warriors-42-barrow-raiders-0-1.835334?referrerPath=home 8 May 2011 North West Evening Mail 8 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20121008120459/http://www.nwemail.co.uk/raiders/wigan-warriors-42-barrow-raiders-0-1.835334?referrerPath=home 8 October 2012 dead dmy-allBradford and Wigan to meet in Challenge Cup fifth round http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9476243.stm 8 May 2011 BBC 8 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20140513195407/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9476243.stm 13 May 2014 live Returning to Super League action, Thomas Leuluai, Sam Tomkins and Richards all scored braces on the way to a 52–6 win over Harlequins RL.Warriors tear Quins apart http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3343434,00.html 13 May 2011 Sky Sports 13 May 2011 An ill-tempered fifth round Cup game at Bradford's Odsal Stadium was exemplified with Gareth Raynor's sending off in the first half for foul play as Sam Tomkins was scoring a try, however a Richards brace helped Wigan survive a late comeback to go through to the next round—a quarterfinal draw against Cup holders Warrington.Bradford 22–26 Wigan http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9488522.stm 23 May 2011 BBC 22 May 2011Warrington coach Tony Smith excited by Wigan cup test http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/warrington/9495557.stm 2 June 2011 BBC 24 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20140513200318/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/warrington/9495557.stm 13 May 2014 live Sam Tomkins and Richards both scored hat-tricks against Hull Kingston Rovers as Wigan completed a perfect May record in their final match of the month.Wilson Andy Sam Tomkins and Pat Richards lead Wigan rout of Hull KR https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/may/30/wigan-warriors-hull-kr-super-league 2 June 2011 The Guardian 30 May 2011 Richards, who scored nine tries and thirty-three goals during May, signed a two-year extension to his contract, rejecting a return to the NRL and a potential cross-code transfer to rugby union club Sale Sharks.Pat Richards signs new two-year Wigan Warriors contract http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/13308839.stm 12 May 2011 BBC 6 May 2011 Hock, whose two-year suspension for drug use was due to end on 23 June, signed a five-year contract with the club to the end of the 2015 season.Suspended Gareth Hock signs five-year contract with Wigan Warriors https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/may/11/wiganwarriors-rugbyleague 12 May 2011 The Guardian 11 May 2011 June right 2 horizontal Wigan Warriors 2011.jpg 163 Wigan Warriors2 2011.jpg 130 Wigan Warriors4 2011.jpg 142 Wigan Warriors5 2011.jpg 150 Wigan against Catalans Dragons in the Super League XVI Wigan's eight-match winning spree was toppled in the first rugby league match ever to be played at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir in Montpellier, after Daryl Millard's second try of the night handed Catalans Dragons a 20–12 victory.Catalan (sic) Dragons 20 Wigan 12 http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/11/06/04/RUGBYL_Catalan_Nightlead.html&BID=482 10 June 2011 Sporting LifeCatalan (sic) Dragons 20–12 Wigan http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9501247.stm 10 June 2011 BBC 4 June 2011 The seventeenth round fixture against Castleford Tigers came just two days after the inaugural International Origin Match which featured George Carmont, Leuluai and Richards playing for the Exiles, and Sean O'Loughlin, Michael McIlorum and both Tomkins brothers representing England.Stewart Rob England 12 Exiles 16: match report https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/8568806/England-12-Exiles-16-match-report.html 11 June 2011 The Daily Telegraph 10 June 2011 Consequently, Origin match-winner Carmont and Sam Tomkins were both rested against Castleford, a match which Wigan looked to be comfortably winning with a 4–22 lead before a second half performance which Maguire described as "unacceptable"Castleford 22–22 Wigan http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9509138.stm 13 June 2011 BBC 12 June 2011 allowed the Tigers to come back, with Kirk Dixon missing a late-minute conversion meaning the match ended in Wigan's third draw of the season.Tigers claw back Warriors http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3343451,00.html 13 June 2011 Sky Sports 12 June 2011 The Warriors returned to winning ways against St Helens in the final derby game of the regular season with a 10–32 win at the Saints' temporary Stobart Stadium base, a result which took Wigan to the top of the Super League table before Huddersfield reclaimed the position the day after.Wilson Andy Pat Richards leads Wigan past St Helens and to top of the Super League https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jun/17/st-helens-wigan-super-league 19 June 2011 The Guardian 17 June 2011Huddersfield 28–20 Catalan (sic) Dragons http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9510989.stm 19 June 2011 BBC 18 June 2011 Wigan then leapfrogged Huddersfield into second place in the table after defeating them in a comprehensive 46–12 win, with Sam Tomkins scoring another hat-trick and Hock making his first appearance for the club in two years following the completion of his drugs ban received in 2009.Wigan 46–12 Huddersfield http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9517224.stm 26 June 2011 BBC 25 June 2011 In the week following the Catalans match, Leuluai rubbished rumours that he intended to follow Maguire to the South Sydney Rabbitohs at the end of the year.Wigan Warriors' Thomas Leuluai dismisses talk of move to South Sydney https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jun/06/thomas-leuluai-wigan-south-sydney 10 June 2011 The Guardian 4 June 2011 Wane, Wigan's assistant coach and a former player, was formally backed by Maguire to succeed him as head coach for the 2012 season following the latter's return to Australia.Wigan coach Michael Maguire backs Shaun Wane for job http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/13905016.stm 26 June 2011 BBC 24 June 2011 July A late Danny McGuire would-be try with five minutes remaining looked to have snatched a victory for Leeds, before the video referee ruled McGuire had knocked-on in the process, allowing Wigan to close out a tough 26–24 home win.Wilson Andy Wigan survive late Danny McGuire disallowed try to hold off Leeds https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/01/wigan-leeds-super-league-match-report 2 July 2011 The Guardian 1 July 2011 Charnley scored a brace to help Wigan reach the top of the table after winning their next match 26–16 against a Castleford side missing eleven first-team players through injury, with their head coach Terry Matterson believing that "the welfare of the players was compromised"Hadfield Dave Wigan survive wobble to go clear at the top https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/wigan-survive-wobble-to-go-clear-at-the-top-2308176.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/wigan-survive-wobble-to-go-clear-at-the-top-2308176.html 1 May 2022 subscription live 7 July 2011 The Independent 7 July 2011 by playing the rearranged round 3 match mid-week in early July. Six separate players scored tries against Harlequins, including a Deacon brace, as Wigan made it three wins in nine days.Paul Deacon leads Wigan back to the top in rampage at Harlequins https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/09/harlequins-wigan-super-league 9 July 2011 The Guardian 9 July 2011 Hock earned his first tries after returning from his ban with a hat-trick against Wakefield, and Sam Tomkins also scored two tries, as Wigan won their sixth match in a row, although Chris Tuson was injured with a damaged medial ligament and was ruled out of action for six weeks.Six in a row for Warriors http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_3357622,00.html 16 July 2011 Sky Sports 15 July 2011Wigan Warriors forward Chris Tuson out for six weeks http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/14224619.stm 22 July 2011 BBC 20 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110720224412/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/14224619.stm 20 July 2011 live Castleford responded to their loss against the Warriors and the injuries of Nick Fozzard and Jacob Emmitt during the match by signing Wigan's Ben Davies on a one-month loan.Castleford sign Ben Davies on loan from Wigan Warriors http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/14081854.stm 8 July 2011 BBC 8 July 2011 On 12 July, Ben Cross was signed by the club with immediate effect until the end of the season, when it was intended that he would transfer to Widnes Vikings for their return to Super League in 2012.Wigan and Widnes snap up Cross http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12211_7033462,00.html 12 July 2011 Sky Sports 12 July 2011 On the same day, Carmont postponed his retirement from rugby league to carry on playing at Wigan, after signing a one-year contract for the 2012 season.Wigan Warriors' George Carmont signs new one-year deal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/14129104.stm 12 July 2011 BBC 12 July 2011 However, Hoffman confirmed that when his twelve-month contract expired at the end of 2011, he would leave the club and return to the Melbourne Storm, whom he left to join Wigan following their salary cap scandal in 2010.Ryan Hoffman to exit Wigan Warriors for Melbourne Storm http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/14152296.stm 14 July 2011 BBC 14 July 2011 August August would bring 4 wins from 4 matches for the Warriors, extending their run to 12 consecutive wins. The month was bookended by triumphs in the Challenge Cup, with a hard-fought 18–12 win against St Helens in the semi-final and a 28–18 victory against Leeds Rhinos in the final at Wembley. In between, there were routine wins against Salford City Reds (52–18) and Bradford Bulls (60–12). In the semi-final, Wigan survived an early onslaught by St Helens who couldn't convert early opportunities. Both sides had kicks at goal in the opening 20 minutes with Jamie Foster converting his to make the score 2–0 to Saints after 30 minutes. On 33 minutes a break from Josh Charnley down Wigan's right flank was stopped by Saints' Paul Wellens only for the Warriors to switch the ball to the other side on the next tackle for George Carmont to touch down. The game was still in the balance as both teams went in at 6–2 at the break. Wigan showed why they are the Champions after the break with two tries in the space of five minutes around the hour mark. The tie looked beyond doubt, however Saints fought back with two tries from Jamie Foster to make for a nervy finish. However, Wigan held out to book their place at Wembley at the end of the month. In Wigan's next game was at home to Salford City Reds. The shine was taken off the win as it was found that Ben Cross (who had only joined Wigan the previous month) had suffered a broken arm that would not only rule him out for the Challenge Cup final but also for the rest of the season, bringing his brief Wigan career to an end. Against Bradford, the Warriors were ruthless, running in 12 tries. Only the errant kicking boots of Pat Richards prevented the scoreline from being any higher. The 60–12 win proved the perfect preparation for the Warriors heading into the Challenge Cup final against Leeds Rhinos. Transfers Transfers in Pos Name From Date Notes Scrum half Brett Finch Melbourne Storm 19 July 2010http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/8834917.stm Wigan Warriors sign Melbourne Storm trio BBC 19 July 2010 3 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20140513193402/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/8834917.stm 13 May 2014 live Prop Jeff Lima Melbourne Storm 19 July 2010 second row Ryan Hoffman Melbourne Storm 19 July 2010 second row Gareth Hock (Suspension) 11 May 2011 Prop Ben Cross (Released)Cross signed for Leeds Rhinos for the 2011 season, and was released in June before signing for Wigan in July.Leeds Rhinos part with Luke Burgess and Ben Cross http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/castleford/9517346.stm 12 July 2011 BBC 20 June 2011 "nb" 12 July 2011 Transfers out Pos Name To Date Notes Full Back Cameron Phelps (Released)Phelps eventually signed a one-year contract with Hull F.C. two days before the Super League XVI season started.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/hull-hope-highclass-phelps-cures-their-back-trouble-2209712.html Hull hope high-class Phelps cures their back trouble The Independent 10 February 2011 12 February 2011 Dave Hadfield 10 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121110174824/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/hull-hope-highclass-phelps-cures-their-back-trouble-2209712.html dead "nb" October 2010 Hooker Mark Riddell Sydney Roosters 30 June 2010http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/wigan/8776359.stm Mark Riddell to leave Wigan Warriors in winter BBC 30 June 2010 3 February 2011 second row Phil Bailey Salford City RedsBailey was signed by Salford City Reds, but was forced to retire from rugby league altogether before making his debut appearance.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/salford/9432739.stm Salford's Phil Bailey forced to retire through injury BBC 22 March 2011 27 March 2011 "nb" 1 September 2010http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/salford/8960155.stm Salford City Reds sign Phil Bailey & Iafeta Paleaaesina BBC 1 September 2010 3 February 2011 Prop Iafeta Paleaaesina Salford City Reds 1 September 2010 Winger Shaun Ainscough Bradford Bulls 30 August 2010http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/bradford/8954226.stm Shaun Ainscough joins Bradford Bulls from Wigan BBC 30 August 2010 3 February 2011 Centre Martin Gleeson (Released)Gleeson signed for Hull on 14 April 2011.Hull FC complete Martin Gleeson signing http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/13049110.stm 12 May 2011 BBC 14 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110415055512/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/13049110.stm 15 April 2011 live "nb" 4 April 2011 Players 2011 squad 2011 Wigan Warriors season #D31718 #FFFFFF http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=5431&type=news Warriors Announce 2011 Squad Numbers 23 November 2010 Wigan Warriors 25 November 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101128220750/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=5431&type=news 28 November 2010 dead dmy-allhttp://www.wiganwarriors.com/Wsquadp.aspx?SquadID=8 Coaching Staff Wigan Warriors 21 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110313084531/http://www.wiganwarriors.com/Wsquadp.aspx?SquadID=8 13 March 2011 dead dmy-all 21 February 2011 1 Sam Tomkins FB SO 2 Darrell Goulding WG CE 3 Martin Gleeson CE 4 George Carmont CE 5 Pat Richards WG FB 6 Paul Deacon SO SH 7 Thomas Leuluai SH HK 8 Stuart Fielden PR 9 Michael McIlorum HK 10 Andy Coley PR 11 Harrison Hansen SR 12 Joel Tomkins SR LF 13 Sean O'Loughlin LF SO 1 14 Paul Prescott PR 15 Jeff Lima PR 16 Ryan Hoffman SR 17 Brett Finch SO SH 19 Amos Roberts WG FB 20 Eamon O'Carroll PR 21 Lee Mossop SR PR 22 Liam Farrell SR LF 23 Chris Tuson SR 24 Stefan Marsh CE 25 Josh Charnley WG CE 26 Karl Pryce WG CE 27 Ben Davies PR 28 Jonny Walker SR 29 Dominic Crosby PR 30 Logan Tomkins HK 31 Joe Mellor CE 32 Ryan King WG 33 Jack Hughes PR 34 Gareth Hock SR PR Michael Maguire Shaun Wane Fixtures LEGEND   Win   Draw   Loss World Club Challenge 2011 World Club Challenge Round Opponent Score H/A Home/Away Attendance Date Final St George 12 St George Illawarra Dragons 15–21 Home 24,268 27 February 2011 Super League Super League XVI Round Opponent Score H/A Home/Away Attendance Date 1 St Helens 12 St Helens R.F.C. 16–16 Neutral 30,891 12 February 2011 2 Bradford 12 Bradford Bulls 10–44 Away 15,348 20 February 2011 4 Salford City 12 Salford City Reds 16–32 Away 6,266 4 March 2011 5 Hull 12 Hull F.C. 14–12 Home 15,346 13 March 2011 6 Huddersfield 12 Huddersfield Giants 6–20 Away 8,151 18 March 2011 7 Warrington 12 Warrington Wolves 6–24 Home 20,056 25 March 2011 8 Leeds 12 Leeds Rhinos 22–22 Away 16,118 1 April 2011 9 Catalans 12 Catalans Dragons 28–47 Home 13,134 8 April 2011 10 Hull KR 12 Hull Kingston Rovers 16–28 Away 8,703 15 April 2011 11 St Helens 12 St Helens RLFC 28–24 Home 24,057 22 April 2011 12 Wakefield 12 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 0–26 Away 8,163 25 April 2011 13 Crusaders 12 Crusaders RL 16–48 Away 5,037 1 May 2011 14 Harlequins 12 Harlequins RL 54–6 Home 12,813 13 May 2011 15 Hull KR 12 Hull Kingston Rovers 40–6 Home 14,779 30 May 2011 16 Catalans 12 Catalans Dragons 20–12 Away 9,372 4 June 2011 17 Castleford 12 Castleford Tigers 22–22 Away 7,263 12 June 2011 18 St Helens 12 St Helens RLFC 10–32 Away 11,540 17 June 2011 19 Huddersfield 12 Huddersfield Giants 46–12 Home 19,169 25 June 2011 20 Leeds 12 Leeds Rhinos 26–24 Home 16,426 1 July 2011 3 Castleford 12 Castleford Tigers 26–16 Home 13,096 6 July 2011 21 Harlequins 12 Harlequins RL 6–38 Away 4,423 9 July 2011 22 Wakefield 12 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 48–6 Home 13,095 15 July 2011 Challenge Cup thumb|The final at Wembley Stadium 2011 Challenge Cup Final Round Opponent Score H/A Home/Away Attendance Date 4th Barrow 12 Barrow Raiders [C] 52–0 Home 8,026 8 May 2011 5th Bradford 12 Bradford Bulls [SL] 22–26 Away 5,828 22 May 2011 Quarter-final Warrington 12 Warrington Wolves [SL] 24–44 Away 13,105 23 July 2011 Semi-final St Helens 12 St Helens [SL] 18–12 Neutral 12,713 6 August 2011 Final Leeds 12 Leeds Rhinos [SL] 18–28 Neutral 78,482 27 August 2011 League table WIG Footnotes References 3 2011 Wigan Warriors season