Wigan Warriors column: Liam Farrell’s magnificent milestone, key contract renewals and deserved debutants
This Saturday, Liam Farrell will make his 400th appearance for his local team, solidifying his place as a true Wigan Warriors legend.
When he plays game 400 for his beloved Wigan on Saturday afternoon against Hull FC at the Brick Community Stadium, the 35-year-
old will become a member of an exclusive group.
What more can be said about Farrell and his achievements within the game? We regularly run out of superlatives to describe him.
With six Super League titles, five League Leaders’ Shields, four Challenge Cups, and two World Club Challenge crowns under his belt,
the Wigan-born forward boasts a rugby league resume that most players could only hope for.
Not to be overlooked are his 12 international caps for England and his six selections to the Super League Dream Team (2015, 2019,
2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023).
Liam Farrell comes to mind when you think of the Wigan Warriors. Since his 2010 debut under then-coach Michael Maguire, he has
been a part of the club’s furniture.
Liam was virtually destined to create his own mark in the iconic cherry and white shirt. He is Andy Farrell’s cousin and played junior
rugby for Wigan St Patricks. Liam has become one of the best back-rowers in Super League history through sheer hard work and
perseverance.
How fitting was it for his younger brother, Connor Farrell, to also come through the famed Wigan system and go on to represent the
first-team, too? It’s certainly in the DNA.
Liam is a big part of The Wigan Way, the culture we hear so often about. A tremendous player on the field, but a top bloke away from
it.
Ahead of the significant event this weekend, congratulations to Liam and his family. It is well deserved, and since he has a contract
that lasts until 2027, he might even make 450 appearances before he retires!
Anyway, let’s think back on our victory over Huddersfield last week, which ended 30–10. Despite playing poorly in the first half, the
Warriors picked up steam in the latter half of the first forty minutes, and whatever coach Matt Peet said at halftime clearly paid off, as
the team scored 30 points in a row in the second stanza to win the two points.
Cross-code signing Christian Wade also made his Super League debut after featuring in two games for the Reserves.
The former British and Irish Lions representative made a couple of errors in the first half, but the sign of a champion player is that he
didn’t let that affect him. He produced a number of strong carries in the second half and even got on the scoresheet, which would have
done his confidence the world of good.
Wade is obviously raw when it comes to rugby league, but you could clearly see his talent. It’s going to be some sight when we get to
see him in full flight.
It’d be remiss of me not to mention Harvey Makin, who became the 14th academy product to feature in Peet’s line-up this year. The
21-year-old prop came off the bench for the last 15 minutes in the win over Huddersfield.
Makin has been close to making his debut a couple of times, having been involved in Peet’s 21-man squad on countless occasions, so it
was good to see him earn his heritage number, which he will have for the rest of his life.
Last week, the Warriors also revealed two contract-related announcements. Tom Forber, a highly regarded hooker, has signed a new
five-year contract, while Adam Keighran has committed to his future until at least the end of 2028.
For Wigan, Keighran’s retention is fantastic news. The Australian centre has been playing exceptionally well this season and is among
the Super League’s most accurate goal-kickers.
Given that he sits behind Brad O’Neill and Kruise Leeming in the hierarchy, hooker Forber has had to wait patiently for a spot in the
matchday lineup. Despite this, he is a tremendously talented player who is well-liked by both his coaches and teammates.
The 22-year-old had a decent run in Peet’s side last season and played in their win over Hull KR in the Super League Grand Final at
Old Trafford. He is already a Super League-ready player, but he will play a key role in Wigan’s long-term future, you suspect.
Let’s move on to Saturday’s clash with Hull FC at the Brick. Wigan are building at the moment, you sense they have another couple of
season.
But make no mistake about it, they are going to have to be on their A game if they are to beat Hull, who have come on leaps and
bounds under Australian coach John Cartwright.
Hull have a quality side on paper, and they’ve picked up some big wins on the road this season. I think we’re in for a cracker this
weekend.
Just as I began this column with a tribute to a milestone, I will conclude it with one as well. During the Warriors Women’s 76-0
thumping of Huddersfield last weekend, Holly Speakman became the first player to reach 100 appearances.
The 41-year-old prop helped the Warriors Women’s team win the Women’s Super League Grand Final in their first season as a team in
2018.
Additionally, she assisted her hometown team in winning the Challenge Cup last month beneath the renowned Wembley arch. Well
done, Holly!
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