Wigan Warriors veteran Willie Issa has announced his retirement from rugby league ahead of the new 2025 Super League season.

Issa joined Wigan in 2016 and has gone on to win three Super League titles, a World Club Challenge title and three League Leaders’ Shields.

The 36-year-old has previously played for Castleford Tigers, Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm.

He will bid farewell to Wigan fans when they take on Leopards in their season opener at Brick Community Stadium on February 13. sky sports.

“I have been lucky enough to work with some incredible people across the game during my time at Wigan Warriors. Wigan Warriors are a special club and I would like to thank everyone who has been lucky enough to work with me,” Issa explain.

“Of course the fans are an important part of the club. I appreciate the way you embrace me. The least I can do is play with my heart every time I put on the cherry and white jersey. I hope you see that and I I have repaid your trust and support in me.

“This decision was not easy and somewhat unexpected, but fortunately, I was given an opportunity to pursue it. In order to seize this opportunity, I decided to end my career immediately.”

“Specifically, I would like to thank the medical team and everyone at the club who have supported me throughout my recovery from a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula. I am extremely grateful for their hard work, time and support in enabling me to make a full recovery “Team training, experience the thrill of contact training again.

“None of this would be possible without the belief of Sean Wynn and Chris Radlinski who brought me into this prestigious club, and all the coaches I have today, Matt Pitt. My The goal was to help the team win trophies but I couldn’t do that. “There’s nothing more proud than leaving the club as a quadruple winner.

“I’m one of you now and look forward to supporting the boys with you – so please save me a seat in the South Stand!”

Farrell extends contract for two years

Wigan also confirmed on Friday that Liam Farrell has signed a new two-year contract that will see him stay with Matt Pitt’s side until the end of 2027.

After a brief spell at Widnes, Farrell spent his entire Premier League career with Wigan, playing 380 games and scoring 143 goals.

The 34-year-old made six appearances for the Dream Team between 2015 and 2023 and was a Harry Sunderland winner.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to play for another two years at this great club,” Farrell said.

“I feel even more privileged now than when I made my debut as a 19-year-old because of the success I’ve had throughout my career and hopefully that can continue.”

Head coach Peter added: “Liam Farrell’s contract extension is great news for Wigan Warriors. He has all the qualities required of a team captain – loyalty, hard work and leadership.”

Liam’s commitment is a huge boost for all of us at Wigan Warriors and I’m excited to see him push us forward over the coming years. “

Super League 2025 – Key dates and notes

February 13: Season opener Wigan Warriors vs Leopards
March 1: Las Vegas Wigan Warriors VS Warrington Wolves
April 17-19: Round 8 – Opponent’s round
May 3rd and 4th: Magic Wheel (St James’ Park, Newcastle)
July 24: August 31 – Round 20 – Split over two weekends
September 4-7: Round 25 – Opponent round schedule reversed
September 18-21: Round 27 – Final round of the regular season (date and time to be determined)
September 26-27: knockout round
October 3rd and 4th: semifinals
Saturday, October 11: Finals (Old Trafford)

sky sports Every match of the Chinese Super League this season will once again be broadcast live, with two games in each round being broadcast exclusively and the remaining four games being broadcast weekly. Sky Sports+