As the 2025 season progresses, Wigan supporters will be keen to see how Hirst’s development fits into the club’s goals of staying at the pinnacle of rugby league.
Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet has laid out the roadmap for forward George
Hirst as he takes his next steps with the club following his signing ahead of the
2025 Super League season. Hirst, who joined Wigan in October 2024 from
League One champions Oldham, is the club’s sole recruit for the upcoming
campaign. This signing came on the heels of Wigan’s dominant 2024 season,
where they clinched every available piece of silverware. With retention at the
forefront of their plans, the Warriors’ focus has been on solidifying their squad
rather than adding new faces.
Hirst, 23, agreed to a two-year deal with Wigan, which includes the option for
an extension. As part of his move, he will train with the Warriors during pre-
season before likely returning to Oldham on loan for the 2025 season,
according to a statement from Oldham’s management.
In an exclusive interview with Oldham’s head coach Sean Long on the
Championship club’s YouTube channel, Matt Peet discussed the “next stage”
for Hirst’s development and how the Warriors plan to integrate him into their
setup in the coming months.
Wigan’s Strategy for George Hirst’s Development.
Wigan’s recruitment strategy for 2025 has been relatively light, with Hirst
being the club’s only new arrival. After a highly successful season in 2024,
where Wigan dominated both domestically and internationally, the focus has
shifted toward developing their existing talent and maintaining the strength of
the squad. However, Peet is excited about the potential that Hirst brings and
sees the young forward as an important piece of the future.
Peet shared that he first took notice of Hirst’s performances after speaking
with Sean Long, Oldham’s coach, who praised the forward’s work ethic and
ability on the field. Wigan’s scouts were quick to report on his consistent
performances, particularly in the Championship. According to Peet, Hirst has
lived up to expectations since arriving at the club. “George has been exactly
what we hoped for – a physical specimen with a great eagerness to learn,” Peet
remarked. “We’re excited to see him take to the field this weekend, and he’s
looking forward to it as well.”
Peet also spoke of how Hirst’s arrival was part of a broader plan to nurture
players and bring them through the ranks, integrating them into Wigan’s
squad when the time is right. “He’ll start the season with Oldham, as originally
planned,” Peet explained. “From there, we’ll continue to monitor his progress.
You can see he’s developed good habits, especially in how he works on both
sides of the ball, and his attitude is spot on.”
Hirst’s Role at Oldham and Potential Dual Registration.
While Wigan plans to bring Hirst into their setup, the club is taking a
measured approach to his integration. Peet confirmed that Hirst will begin the
2025 season with Oldham to continue his development, but it’s expected that
his stint there will fall under the dual registration system, which allows for
flexibility in his training and playing schedule. This system would enable Hirst
to continue playing for Oldham in the early part of the season while Wigan
keeps a close eye on his progress, with the option to bring him into the first-
team fold when needed.
This dual registration arrangement is likely to give Hirst the opportunity to get
valuable game time in the Championship while also allowing Wigan to manage
his transition to Super League level when the time is right. It also gives the
club the flexibility to call him back into the fold as needed, without the
constraints of a formal loan agreement, which often includes more rigid recall
conditions.
Pre-Season and Friendly Matches.
The upcoming pre-season matches will provide further insight into how Hirst
is settling in with Wigan. The Warriors are set to play their first pre-season
game against Oldham on Sunday, where Hirst is expected to line up for his
new side against his former team. This game will offer a glimpse of Hirst’s
development since joining the Warriors and how he is adapting to the
demands of Super League training under Peet’s guidance.
Peet also mentioned that several key players, including Kruise Leeming, Tyler
Dupree, and Liam Byrne, will feature in the friendly against Oldham.
However, Peet acknowledged that the backs in the pre-season squad would be
less experienced, highlighting that this friendly would serve as an opportunity
for younger players to gain valuable exposure and make their case for
inclusion in the regular season.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season.
With the 2025 season fast approaching, Wigan Warriors have big expectations
to maintain their dominance in the Super League after a historic 2024
campaign. Peet’s focus on retention and gradual squad development,
highlighted by the signing of George Hirst, indicates a long-term strategy to
sustain success. By allowing players like Hirst to develop in the Championship
while keeping them within the Wigan system, the Warriors are positioning
themselves for continued excellence in the years to come.
Hirst’s journey at Wigan may be in its early stages, but Peet’s confidence in the
young forward’s potential suggests that he will be a valuable asset to the team
when he steps up to Super League level. As the 2025 season unfolds, Wigan
fans will be eager to see how Hirst’s progression aligns with the club’s
ambitions to remain at the top of the rugby league pyramid.
