Warriors documentary

[josie andrews]

Six things we learned after watching the We Are Wigan Warriors documentary

The hugely anticipated Wigan Warriors documentary aired on Sky Sports in the lead-up to the Las Vegas blockbuster. The three-part series charts the historic 2024 Grand Slam season with a unique behind-the-scenes perspective, delving deep into the lives of those involved, preparations, heartbreak and joy.

Here, All Out Rugby League takes a look at key moments from the documentary where Wigan’s highs and lows were aired.

Liam Marshall’s incredible strength

It’s hard to put into words the strength of Liam Marshall’s character.

Marshall became a father for the first time after his wife Megan gave birth to daughter Elsie in February. The following day, his much-loved mother Debbie sadly passed away.

It was a loss that was felt deeply by all at the club, with head coach Matt Peet giving an emotional pre-match talk ahead of the club’s warm-up match against Hull FC at the MKM Stadium.

It was an emotional watch, with the whole team supporting Marshall and his family. It led to motivation in the lead-up to the World Club Challenge, with Marshall’s brothers Elliot Davies and Scott Davies talking to the group at Robin Park. They went on to claim a record-equalling fifth title with a win over NRL kings Penrith Panthers.

There was emotion throughout the three-part series, with Peet also sharing the tragic news of his and his wife Becca’s loss of a baby, with open and honest conversations with the group.

Try of the season that never was

World Club Challenge viewers were inches away from watching one of the greatest tries in the competition.

The documentary provided an insight into the scrum-play that was headed up by assistant coach Thomas Leuluai, named ‘Shadrack’.

It was practised during the week at training and the second half gave the perfect opportunity to put the move into play: Harry Smith kicking long, and Bevan French chasing. The 2023 Man of Steel collected the ball, and touched down in front of the south stand. But it wasn’t to be.

“I stuffed it up,” French was allowed to joke looking back, ruled offside by the video referee.

Thankfully, the Warriors still won 16-12 against the Penrith Panthers.

Mike Cooper’s epic leadership

The retired England international showed great leadership across the season, aired in the documentary.

40 minutes to change the rest of your lives and write your name in history,” Cooper said at half-time of the World Club Challenge showdown.

It can’t be underestimated the impact the experienced prop had at the Brick Community Stadium within a short time. His season, and career, unfortunately ended prematurely following medical advice last September.

All work and no play...

“He’s brilliant for this team, almost like the heartbeat, getting ready for games and then the extra bit of entertainment. He’s one of the most important players of the team.”

Those are the words from half-back Smith on head of strength and conditioning Chris Baron, who definitely brought the positive energy to Wigan Warriors.

The documentary shows us several moments of Baron’s great sense of humour, often accompanied by fancy dress, whether it be at the club’s training headquarters, or in the changing rooms following a big win.

The Cherry and Whites clearly work hard in their preparations and on game days, but also know the right times to have fun behind closed doors. Peet encourages it, with games of cricket also playing a large part of the year as well.

Another highlight of the documentary was Bevan French’s incredibly funny uncle, Shannon, who was flown over by the club alongside the stand-off’s brother, Dion, for the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford. It was said in the documentary that Shannon often sends over videos for Bevan, and his pre-Grand Final speech was shown on the big screen as the team sat in a cinema room in their motivation.

Fergie time

As revealed by Peet following the Grand Final triumph over Hull KR, Wigan invited Manchester United coaching legend Sir Alex Ferguson to present the match shirts.

The 13-time Premier League manager winner gave an inspirational talk to the group, which ultimately helped the Warriors claim history at the Theatre of Dreams.

“There were whispers that we had special guests,” said captain Liam Farrell. “There were so many outrageous calls. Pep Guardiola was mentioned as well.

“You could literally hear a pin drop in the room. I think everyone was in awe of him.

“The biggest thing I took out of it was not having regrets in big games, he spoke about that quite a bit.”

Wigan’s ultimate connection

It was clear to see in the documentary how well connected Wigan Warriors are from top to bottom, on and off the field.

Chief executive Kris Radlinski leads the way, with trust in head coach Peet: having taken the leap of faith in appointing him in the first place for the 2022 season.

Radlinski trusts in Peet, Peet trusts in his coaches, and the coaches trust in the players to express themselves on the field. And there were some incredible motivational talks, including Peet’s pre Grand-Final speech going around the group and their motivations.

“It was spine-tingling how emotional Matty was,” England international Smith said.

“It showed how much of a personal connection he has with each person and everything wasn’t just about what they did on the pitch, it’s what they do for people off the pitch.”

https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/new ... 48a1cfd938

[Barney841]

Cracking watch and great insight what goes on within the club and not just on the field.
Had to laugh when Radders said he will try and not be smug on how Peet worked out. Be smug Rads you deserve it!!!
I’ll hold my hand up and said what is he doing appointing him, thought it was a cheap option, my god proved me wrong!!!!

[Wintergreen]

I’ll hold my hand up and said what is he doing appointing him, thought it was a cheap option, my god proved me wrong!!!!

You were not on your own. I thought it was the wrong time/appointment too.

I am delighted it wasn't of course, but without the benefit of hindsight, a time machine etc, and under similar circumstances, I would still be saying it was the wrong call.

Definitely rolled the dice, but sitting here in 2025 it was the right call.

[moto748]

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2025/03/ ... mentaries/

Only just seen this via FB. So I've already missed ep #1 tonight! But I can record the next couple.

[archiekeith]

Great watch!

Oh good ,ive just phoned my daughter n mam to nip round and set it or they getting nowt brought back from usa lol

I've only just watched it. What a really great set up we have: great coaches,great players in a great stadium. Why oh why the the expletive profanities from the coach. I'm certainly no prude having served in the Armed Service.We are a professional sport albeit a macho one but we are not in a children's school yard we are ambassadors of a great game. I can see no reason why or how such language is useful motivation of our players. It proliferates the,still false ideas that pervade the sports newspapers of a working class ,cloth cap sport. We can hold a heads above this type of prejudice. We have a fantastic game to be proud of.
Rant over bye the way it was great to see the Whippet win Cruffs dog show

[Firestarter]

Great watch!

Oh good ,ive just phoned my daughter n mam to nip round and set it or they getting nowt brought back from usa lol

I've only just watched it. What a really great set up we have: great coaches,great players in a great stadium. Why oh why the the expletive profanities from the coach. I'm certainly no prude having served in the Armed Service.We are a professional sport albeit a macho one but we are not in a children's school yard we are ambassadors of a great game. I can see no reason why or how such language is useful motivation of our players. It proliferates the,still false ideas that pervade the sports newspapers of a working class ,cloth cap sport. We can hold a heads above this type of prejudice. We have a fantastic game to be proud of.
Rant over bye the way it was great to see the Whippet win Cruffs dog show

I watched it first full day back off hols.Was probably the best sports documentary ive seen( with obvious bias).It opened my eyes about how stern peety is and has put paid to my opinion that Mr Wane still steps in with the rollockings.I personally have no problem with the swearing as its all part of rugby imo.Everyone to their own though and still a fantastic insight.Well done boys.Proves that a club runs better without a tool like Beaumont sticking his oar in everything

[BriH]

Biased, I know, but the Warriors documentary was one of, if not the best, sporting documentary I have ever seen.

Now I know why I have followed/supported Wigan since 1981! (and watched Wigan way back in 1958: Boston er al).

"Best Team in the Land" - absolutely

[moto748]

I watched the second ep last night, and will watch the third later. I thought it was terrific, and did the club enormous credit.


BUT BUT BUT, I think it's a crying shame it hasn't been more widely seen. I'd like to think I'm a reasonably on-the-ball Wigan fan (opinions may vary! ), but I only found out about it a couple of hours after the first chapter was screened (with no a catch-up option), on an obscure channel nobody would normally be watching. I think it's too often forgotten, including by posters here, that not everyone has Sky Sports!

[DaveO]

BUT BUT BUT, I think it's a crying shame it hasn't been more widely seen. I'd like to think I'm a reasonably on-the-ball Wigan fan (opinions may vary! ), but I only found out about it a couple of hours after the first chapter was screened (with no a catch-up option), on an obscure channel nobody would normally be watching. I think it's too often forgotten, including by posters here, that not everyone has Sky Sports!

It is on Sky Documentaries as well..

I have just watched the last of the three and the highlight for me was the playing of the video of Bevan’s Uncle when they were all in what looked like a small cinema with him doing his apparently usual criticism of Bevan when half cut. Never knew that was a thing but then……

They get Sir Alex Ferguson in for the team talk at the end and who walks in, but Bevan’s uncle and brother to massive cheers. That was just brilliant. Sir Alex got polite applause and respect but Bevan’s. Uncle brought the house down.. Sir Lex was a bit upstaged!

I just thought that was brilliant and why that sort of thing may be why some players do stay with the club when the NRL may come calling.

[moto748]

It is on Sky Documentaries as well..


I know it's on Sky Documentaries; that's where I got eps 2 and 3 from. But as far as I can determine, I have no catch-up options to watch the first ep. Unless it appears somewhere else.