Wigan Warriors’ quota situation for 2025 with key player off-contract

[josie andrews]

Wigan Warriors still have plenty to take care of in 2024 but looking ahead to 2025 the club’s overseas quota situation is an interesting one.

That’s because one of the club’s current overseas players is off-contract at the end of the current season, meaning that there could be scope for a new signing or a potential new deal on the table.

For now, Wigan won’t be looking that far ahead though as they’re set for one of the biggest games of the season so far when they host Hull KR on Friday night

It’s a match that will pit Super League’s top two teams against each other and with just three rounds of the regular season left, it’s a game that could well decide who lifts the League Leaders Shield.

Wigan Warriors are the current holders of that certain piece of silverware. In fact, they own all four trophies available to them, meanwhile, Hull KR haven’t lifted silverware since 1985.

There’s plenty on the line on Friday night and it’s a game that could be decided by each side’s overseas stars. We’ve assessed how Wigan Warriors’ overseas talent looks set to stack up for 2025.

Wigan Warriors quota situation for 2025

As it stands, just one player will see their contract expire at the end of the current season and that’s long-serving forward Willie Isa. The 35-year-old has played over 200 games for Wigan since his move to the club in 2016.

However, he has played just eight games this year after his season-ending injury against Castleford Tigers in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals. The 35-year-old fractured and dislocated his ankle and it’s unclear whether Wigan will gamble on what will be a 36-year-old returning from almost a full season off, meaning his status is uncertain.

The same can’t be said for plenty of Wigan’s other overseas stars with the club having tied down much of their talent on long-term deals, just as they have done with English talent as well as their coaching staff.

Reigning Man of Steel Bevan French is tied down till 2028 whilst his running mate Jai Field is penned in until 2027, as is winger Abbas Miski.

Forward Patrick Mago could be with the club until 2027 as there is an option for a further year on his deal that will keep him at the club until 2026.

Kaide Ellis is another tied down until the end of the 2026 season whilst the most pressing contract, outside of Isa’s, is Adam Keighran‘s. The centre sees his current deal expire at the end of the 2025 season but he’s proven himself a valuable player this year, often filling in at the halves in the absence of French or Harry Smith.

The Australian has also been prolific with the boot, kicking 53 from 60 for an impressive success rate of 88% in Super League. At just 27, he’s someone who could be in the back of Kris Radlinski’s mind for a new deal in the near future.

Contract status of Wigan Warriors’ overseas players (Date when contract expires)

Willie Isa (2024)
Adam Keighran (2025)
Kaide Ellis (2026)
Patrick Mago (2026 with 2027 option)
Abbas Miski (2027)
Jai Field (2027)
Bevan French (2028)

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/wigan-wa ... act-96539/

[Wiganer Ted]

As far as overseas players concerned that's a pretty settled team.
Nor much different over non overseas players too with most being contracted for some years to come. We know about Mike Cooper leaving but there's just the contract situation around Eckersley, Douglas and Forber that we're uncertain about.

A very good position to be in.

[DaiJones]

We announced Douglas being extended for another year last week

[josie andrews]

As far as overseas players concerned that's a pretty settled team.
Nor much different over non overseas players too with most being contracted for some years to come. We know about Mike Cooper leaving but there's just the contract situation around Eckersley, Douglas and Forber that we're uncertain about.

A very good position to be in.

Forber & Douglas are already contracted for next year. Not sure about Eckersley but I think the club realise his potential.

[Charriots Offiah]

As far as overseas players concerned that's a pretty settled team.
Nor much different over non overseas players too with most being contracted for some years to come. We know about Mike Cooper leaving but there's just the contract situation around Eckersley, Douglas and Forber that we're uncertain about.

A very good position to be in.

Forber & Douglas are already contracted for next year. Not sure about Eckersley but I think the club realise his potential.

Hopefully, we will see all three rewarded with longer contracts.

[Blackpool_Pie]

As far as overseas players concerned that's a pretty settled team.
Nor much different over non overseas players too with most being contracted for some years to come. We know about Mike Cooper leaving but there's just the contract situation around Eckersley, Douglas and Forber that we're uncertain about.

A very good position to be in.

Have the club announced something to do with Cooper? I haven't seen owt

[Wiganer Ted]

As far as overseas players concerned that's a pretty settled team.
Nor much different over non overseas players too with most being contracted for some years to come. We know about Mike Cooper leaving but there's just the contract situation around Eckersley, Douglas and Forber that we're uncertain about.

A very good position to be in.

Have the club announced something to do with Cooper? I haven't seen owt

Only that Mike wouldn't be offered a new contract. Rumours, only that, he's heading back to Wire.

[Blackpool_Pie]

As far as overseas players concerned that's a pretty settled team.
Nor much different over non overseas players too with most being contracted for some years to come. We know about Mike Cooper leaving but there's just the contract situation around Eckersley, Douglas and Forber that we're uncertain about.

A very good position to be in.

Have the club announced something to do with Cooper? I haven't seen owt

Only that Mike wouldn't be offered a new contract. Rumours, only that, he's heading back to Wire.

Must have missed that or just forgotten but I simply don't remember that being announced. If he's still not got past his head knock, it may well be in his best interest to retire.