Wigan Warriors’ early season unsung hero emerges with opportunity seized

[josie andrews]

One player at Wigan Warriors has certainly grabbed his early chances in 2025.

Sam Walters has certainly grabbed his early-season opportunities, establishing himself as one of Wigan’s top performers to start the 2025 Super League campaign. His most recent display against Huddersfield Giants saw him hailed by head coach Matt Peet, as the reigning champions turned on the heat in the second half for a 44-18 result.

The 24-year-old’s start at the Cherry and Whites was hampered by a broken collarbone at the beginning of 2024, forced to wait four months for his bow with the Warriors. He made his debut in Wigan's ruthless 38-6 Challenge Cup semi-final victory over Hull KR, and went on to make a total 15 appearances across the rest of the campaign in all competitions.

The 6’7" utility forward showed glimpses of his potential, but looks to have taken another step up in his young career so far to start the new season.

Having not been selected for the Super League opener against Leigh Leopards, with Harvie Hill named on the interchange bench, Walters certainly seized his opportunity the following week against Hull FC. He made 157 metres from 18 carries from the bench - the most of any forward - in the 46-6 round two triumph, which ultimately cemented his spot for the Las Vegas showdown against Warrington Wolves.

Again, he impressed, featuring in the front-row from the bench and earning plaudits with his performance in Sin City with his athleticism and skill.

His most recent outing in the 44-18 win over Luke Robinson's Huddersfield saw him praised this time by head coach Peet, admitting he likes what he is seeing from the towering Widnes-born forward.

The Wigan boss said: “His minutes will go up in some games and I think our middles trust some weeks they’ll get bigger minutes than others and it’s my responsibility to get the game won and use them as how I see fit so at the moment Sam is playing a bit more minutes which is good.

“It was always the intention to use him as a middle who can play back-row or a back-row who can play middle. He has got that versatility which adds something to your bench but he has certainly put his hand up with some good performances in that middle unit last week and I like what he’s doing.

He works so hard, he’s very fit, he had a massive pre-season and is a popular member of the group.

“He’s adding a lot to us at the moment.”

Walters is certainly one of the biggest prospects in Super League, and could be in for his best year yet in Super League. He previously impressed at Headingley Stadium, having signed from Widnes Vikings' academy, with six tries in 17 appearances in 2023.

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[Wiganer Ted]

Walters has been excellent.
Although playing from the bench he has a big tackle count along with good carries and meters gained.
MP playing him at interchange prop has worked very well indeed.
With each game he makes himself more and more secure in the match day 17.
A very good signing indeed!

[Big Steve]

He's definitely forced himself into the 17 now. His post contact work is really impressive now but he still has an offload threat which makes him even more valuable than a straight yardage prop. Really impressed with him at the start of the season when it did look towards the back end of last that he would be on the edges of the squad.

[Charriots Offiah]

I’ve been really impressed with Sam this season. We need to get away from this second row experiment and play him in the position that suits him best, prop.

[Firestarter]

I’ve been really impressed with Sam this season. We need to get away from this second row experiment and play him in the position that suits him best, prop.

Hes been switching to and from during the games.If you take notice he reverts to SR on the attacking kicks for his size out wide.Very clever from the coaching staff especially with junior on the left edge.Great potential in this lad