Wheelchair Super League: Wigan kick-off new season by downing defending champions

Sebastian Sternik
Wheelchair Super League action

Picture by John Clifton/SWpix.com

The new Wheelchair Super League season began with a thriller as Wigan picked up a dramatic 59-45 victory over last season’s Grand Final winners Halifax Panthers. 

Wigan’s Adam Rigby scored the opening try in a tantalising first-half which saw the lead change hands six times.

Ultimately, it was the Panthers led 32-28 at the break and appeared on course for victory in their season opener. 

An early second-half try from Tom Green improved Fax’s advantage to 10-points, though that was as good as it got for the reigning champions. 

Wigan battled back and regained the lead as Matt Wooloff scored back-to-back tries to complete his hat-trick. 

The hosts refused to relinquish their lead from that point on, and kept their opponents at an arm’s length as they marked their season opener with a statement-making win.

Wheelchair Super League action
Picture by John Clifton/SWpix.com

Sunday’s second game saw London Roosters host Hull FC at Medway Park in Gillingham. 

London were ruthless in the first-half and romped to a 52-0 lead at the break.

Hull FC put on a much-improved performance in the second-half, though it wasn’t enough to catch the hosts who secured a 64-42 win.

The full match was broadcast live on the London Roosters Facebook page.

Saturday also saw a try-scoring exhibition as Leeds Rhinos put on a clinic in their season opener against Warrington.

The 2022 Grand Final runners-up powered to an emphatic 118-12 win away from home.

England’s World Cup winners Nathan Collins and Tom Halliwell were both in the squad for the Rhinos. 

Head coach James Simpson also gave debuts to Dan Cutts & Nathan Mullhall. Warrington, meanwhile, had three debutants in their squad. 

READ NEXT: Incredible wheelchair & women’s games highlight challenge facing the men

Wheelchair Super League round 1 results

  • Warrington Wolves 12-118 Leeds Rhinos
  • Wigan Warriors 59-45 Halifax Panthers
  • London Roosters 64-42 Hull FC
Halifax Panthers Hull FC