Ranking The Top 10 Greatest Wigan Warriors RLFC Players

The Wigan Warriors are synonymous with rugby league excellence, boasting an unparalleled history as the most successful club in English rugby league. With a lineage dating back to 1872, the club has claimed an astonishing 21 League Championships, 19 Challenge Cups, and four World Club Challenge trophies. Their dominance, particularly from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, defined an era, with Wigan securing seven consecutive league titles starting in 1990.

Over more than 140 years of history, many legendary players have donned the famous cherry and white jersey. Narrowing this legacy to the top 10 greatest players is no easy feat, but here’s a look at some of the best who ever played for Wigan.

10. Kris Radlinski
A hometown hero, Kris Radlinski served as Wigan’s fullback from 1993 to 2006, amassing 322 appearances and scoring 183 tries. Known for his reliability and flair, Radlinski’s career highlight came in 1995 when he became the youngest recipient of the Harry Sunderland Trophy. He achieved this by scoring a historic hat-trick in Wigan’s Premiership Final win, cementing his place among the club’s greats.

9. Andy Farrell
Few players embody versatility and leadership like Andy Farrell. A goal-kicking loose forward, Farrell represented Wigan from 1991 to 2004, appearing in 370 games and scoring an incredible 3,135 points. During his tenure, Farrell led the Warriors to six league titles and four Challenge Cup victories while earning the captaincy of both his club and Great Britain. His remarkable skills and commanding presence made him a key figure during Wigan’s golden era.

8. Dean Bell
New Zealand-born Dean Bell found his home at Wigan after stints in England and Australia. Bell played for the Warriors between 1986 and 1994, making 253 appearances and scoring 96 tries. He was instrumental in Wigan’s dominance, winning seven consecutive Challenge Cups and earning accolades such as the Lance Todd Trophy and the Man of Steel Award. After retiring, Bell contributed to Wigan’s youth development, shaping the club’s future stars.

7. Eric Ashton
A one-club player, Eric Ashton represented Wigan during the 1950s and 1960s. In 497 appearances, he scored 231 tries and kicked 448 goals, amassing 1,589 points. His partnership with fellow legend Billy Boston led to three Challenge Cup victories and a league championship in 1959-60. Ashton’s loyalty, skill, and impact on the game make him an enduring icon in Wigan’s storied history.

6. Jason Robinson
Nicknamed “Billy Whizz,” Jason Robinson is one of rugby’s most electrifying talents. With unmatched acceleration and agility, Robinson dazzled fans during his 302-game career with Wigan, where he scored an impressive 685 points. His speed and elusive side-steps made him a winger capable of turning games single-handedly. Robinson remains a player fans remember as a spectacle worth the price of admission.

5. Andy Gregory
Though small in stature, Andy Gregory made a massive impact as Wigan’s halfback from 1987 onwards. Standing at just 5’5”, Gregory led Wigan to a remarkable 29 consecutive victories in his first season and claimed two Lance Todd Trophies during his career. His toughness and tactical brilliance helped the Warriors dominate, making him one of their all-time great playmakers.

4. Martin Offiah
Known as “Chariots,” Martin Offiah was a try-scoring machine during his time with Wigan. With 186 tries in just 159 appearances, Offiah’s strike rate was unmatched. His breathtaking speed and power made him a nightmare for defenders, as he consistently turned half-chances into spectacular tries. Offiah’s ability to light up games solidified his reputation as one of rugby league’s finest finishers.

3. Shaun Edwards
For nearly 15 years, Shaun Edwards embodied the spirit of Wigan Rugby League. A versatile player, Edwards made 467 appearances, scoring 226 tries while operating as a scrum-half, stand-off, or fullback. He helped Wigan claim eight league titles and nine Challenge Cups, records that may never be surpassed. Edwards’ leadership and skill made him a cornerstone of Wigan’s unparalleled success in the modern era.

2. Billy Boston
Billy Boston, a winger with a remarkable story, became a Wigan legend after joining the club in 1953. Born in Cardiff to a Sierra Leonean father, Boston overcame initial reservations about leaving Wales to build a career that saw him score an incredible 478 tries in 487 games. His match-winning ability and larger-than-life presence earned him a statue in Wigan, commemorating his immense contributions to the club.

1. Ellery Hanley
Topping the list is Ellery Hanley, known as “The Black Pearl.” A versatile and supremely gifted player, Hanley joined Wigan at the onset of their dominance in the 1980s. In 202 games, he scored 189 tries and was pivotal in their league and cup successes. Hanley’s record-breaking 64-try season as a centre epitomized his brilliance, making him arguably the greatest player in Wigan’s illustrious history.

These ten legends represent the rich heritage of the Wigan Warriors, a club whose success has been defined by extraordinary players across generations. Each left an enduring legacy, contributing to Wigan’s place as the crown jewel of English rugby league.