29/01/2026
Not long now -
It was only a few months ago that we were seeing comments on social media - “no season ticket for me next year”, “I’m not paying money to watch this rubbish”, “I’m done”.
Yet, for our opener against Saints in just over 2 weeks' time, we could be in for a sellout. So, what has changed?
Let’s be honest, last season was awful, but there were shining lights - the reserves and the academy, both making it to the grand finals, the latter winning theirs. It’s this hope they have given us, that despite where the first team finished in the Super League, despite losing against the likes of Salford, Castleford, and Huddersfield, these kids coming through, such as CTW, Irwin, Gardner, McKinney, Smith, and many more, have given us the belief that success isn’t too far away.
Yet, a big question remains: how much will we actually see of them? Cai has been given the number 1 shirt, so we know he’s locked in, but the others are possibly replacements for more senior players if needed, and the likes of Irwin will more likely be a starter in 2027 after George leaves.
Many have argued that we need not have high expectations for this season and look ahead to 2027, or even 2028, when these kids have more experience and are ready to be starters. However, I would argue that the team playing against Leigh this Friday is at least a top 4 team, with certain stars still to return to it.
Yes, we’re excited about these youngsters coming through, and we can see they may bring the success we as fans have been desperate for, and some look like unbelievable talents. Let’s not forget about this year, though, and judging by our ticket sales, I don’t think fans have; we have a very good squad, our signings all look positive, the fact that someone like Ewan Irwin can come in if needed, the fact that arguably the best winger in the Super League, Matty Ashton, is still to come back from injury, and the great addition of Steve McNamara to the coaching staff. Everything truly does look much more positive.
I firmly believe we can have a good crack at it this season; the team though needs the fans, and as a man who can’t go to the games, it’s literally the thing I miss the most, and seeing it bouncing against Saints, I’ll be incredibly jealous, but the players need it. What could be better than a packed-out Halliwell Jones stadium watching the Wire make it 8 in a row against Saints?
The new season is upon us, with new memories to be made, and a new team was engraved into the Super League trophy last season; you never know, it could be a new one again. 😊🏉🟡🔵