NRDCollectables

After impressing for Ireland in the World Cup, Wigan hooker Michael McIlorum turned down an NRL move to Canberra Raiders in 2018 because of his dogs-Parson Russell terriers Daisy and Marley (below)-he opted instead to stay in Super League, moving to Catalans for their sake.

Wigan Lance Todd Trophy Winners #2: Rees Thomas (1958) The bargain buy half back from Swinton was a surprise winner of the big award; the Welshman's invention & energy helped see Wigan home in an exciting 13-9 win over Workington as they returned to Wembley after a 7 year absence

A try by Bob Blackwood (below) was the difference as Wigan beat New Hunslet 9-7 in the JP Trophy #OnThisDay 1977. A row over win bonuses for the game escalated & the players went on strike for 2 matches, it was resolved in time to play New Hunslet in the league, Wigan lost 7-9!

Wigan met Hull at a very waterlogged Central Park #OnThisDay 1927. Match reports joked the only happy player would be Wigan's Jack Bennett (below), a water polo star. He was part of a fine home pack that led 10-0 after 46 minutes when worsening conditions forced an abandonment.

11th place Wigan found a much needed win over Oldham at Central Park #OnThisDay 1990 after a very lacklustre start to the season. Teenage wing David Myers (below) ran in 2 tries in a 38-15 victory that eased the building pressure after 4 losses & a draw from their last 7 matches

Heartbreak for Wigan against the Kangaroos #OnThisDay 1937. A hat-trick from Gwynne Davies (great-grandad of Tom) saw Wigan lead 23-17 with 3 minutes to go, only for a sensational converted breakaway try from the legendary Andy Norval (below) to seal a remarkable 25-23 turnaround

In the discussion as Wigan's fastest ever player. 39 tries in 57 games for the club. A Wales & British Lions international in rugby union & a Commonwealth Games sprinter. He also taught at schools in the Wigan area. RIP Keri

Celebrity Wigan Warriors Fans #29: Michael Carrick. The Manchester United manager (at time of writing) has watched Wigan on a number of occasions and, like many North West based footballers, is a big supporter of RL

Wigan let slip a 12 point lead in a classic 18 all draw at Leeds #OnThisDay 1987. Ellery Hanley-of all people-blew a big chance when 18-6 up & star-studded Leeds hit back with Steve Hampson (below) producing a sensational last minute tackle on Garry Schofield to preserve a point

Wigan Overseas Players #71: Andrew Farrar (Australia) Granite-hewn Kangaroo test centre signed as Gene Miles's replacement in 1992. Remembered for his tough tackling & scoring some important tries during his one season, he later returned as assistant coach between 2005 & 2006

A big win for Wigan at St Helens #OnThisDay 2020. A superb try from Tommy Leuluai where he burst through 5 tackles swung the game the Warriors' way & they went on to win 18-6 and head to the top of the table where they stayed until the end of the season

Workington legend 'Boxer' Walker with the Lancashire Cup after Town beat favourites Wigan 16-13 in a classic final #OnThisDay 1977. Individual tries from David Willicombe, Bill Ashurst & Jimmy Nulty weren't enough against the Cumbrians & their dead-eye kicker Iain MacCorquodale