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Wigan Warriors Cement Legacy as One of Super League’s Greatest Sides
Published: April 9th, 2024 | Source: Sky Sports Rugby League
Wigan Warriors have etched their name among the pantheon of Super League’s most dominant teams, becoming only the third club in the competition’s history to hold all four domestic trophies simultaneously. Their victory in Saturday’s Challenge Cup final against Warrington Wolves completes the Warriors’ trophy haul, sparking the debate around where this squad ranks among the greatest to have graced the league.
The discussion is certainly one that could rage on, but to provide some context, let’s revisit some of the other legendary Super League sides that have left an indelible mark on the sport. How do Wigan’s current exploits measure up against these powerhouses?
The 2003 Bradford Bulls were the first genuinely world-class team in the modern Super League era, securing a historic domestic treble. Led by the inspirational Brian Noble, the Bulls edged a thrilling Challenge Cup final against Leeds Rhinos before topping the league table and sealing the crown with a 25-12 Grand Final win over Wigan Warriors. They then capped off their campaign by defeating Australia’s Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge.
Three years later, it was St Helens’ turn to etch their name in the history books. The 2006 Saints side, coached by Daniel Anderson, was a true juggernaut, boasting a roster of international superstars including Paul Wellens, Sean Long, Keiron Cunningham, and Jamie Lyon. They stormed to the Challenge Cup, League Leader’s Shield, and Grand Final triumphs, before adding the World Club Challenge to their ever-growing collection.
The mid-2010s saw Leeds Rhinos deliver one of the most dominant campaigns in Super League history. Brian McDermott’s side in 2015 secured the domestic treble in stunning fashion, routing Hull KR in the Challenge Cup final before claiming the League Leader’s Shield and Grand Final glory. With a roster featuring the likes of Rob Burrow, Danny McGuire, and Kevin Sinfield, the Rhinos have a strong case as the most talented team to have graced the modern Super League.
More recently, St Helens’ four-year reign as Super League champions, starting in 2019 under Justin Holbrook, firmly cemented their status as one of the greatest dynasties the sport has witnessed. Although they fell short in the Challenge Cup that year, the Saints were practically unstoppable in the league, winning 26 of their 29 games and scoring over 900 points.
Now, Wigan Warriors have etched their name alongside these legendary teams, becoming the third club to hold all four domestic trophies concurrently. Matt Peet’s side have set a new benchmark for excellence, and their achievements will undoubtedly spark lively debates among rugby league enthusiasts for years to come.
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