Wigan Warriors have announced their first pre-season friendly for 2026 with a star man set to face Super League opposition for his testimonial.
It’s that time of the year where pre-season games get announced thick and fast but this is the first one announced by Wigan Warriors and it won’t be played until February 1st, just a week before the club enter the Challenge Cup.
Like in 2025, Super League teams will play in the Challenge Cup before they play in Super League, with top-flight teams to be seeded away from home against lower-league opposition.
Those games will be played on the weekend of the 7th and 8th of February, but on the 1st of February, Wigan will take on Hull FC as Warriors’ winger Liam Marshall celebrates his testimonial year with the club.
That game will be played at the Brick Community Stadium with the game serving as Marshall’s testimonial as he celebrates 10 professional years at the club.
Wigan Warriors to face Hull FC in winger’s testimonial
During that time, Marshall has scored 169 tries in 213 appearances with his double century coming this past season against Huddersfield Giants, who he also scored against in the Challenge Cup Final win of 2022.
Debuting back in 2017, Marshall has become a fan favourite at Wigan for his tenacity and try-scoring ability and he’ll now celebrate ten years of professional rugby league with the Warriors.
Speaking about his upcoming testimonial match, set to be played on Sunday 1st February, the winger said: “Firstly, a massive thank you to Hull FC for agreeing to play in my Testimonial game, we really appreciate your support in what is hopefully going to be a great afternoon on and off the field.
“Secondly, having a game at The Brick in front of our fans to celebrate 10 years at my hometown club is a very proud moment for me and my family.”
He added: “The Wigan fans have always supported me greatly since I have been at the club and hopefully I will see lots of you down at the game supporting me and the lads. My committee and I are very excited for the game and the year ahead and hope you can join us!”
Head coach Matt Peet called it a “great occasion” to celebrate Marshall’s career, adding: “Hull and Wigan have a strong history together and they showed last season that they are a club on the rise so it is a really exciting contest to help us prepare for the season.”
Other pre-season friendlies involving Super League clubs that have been announced so far include Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity on Boxing Day, Castleford Tigers v Featherstone Rovers on 27th December, Cas v Oldham on January 10th and Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls on January 24th.
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