Willie Isa: Wigan Warriors veteran announces sudden retirement from rugby league | Rugby League News

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

Isa joined Wigan in 2016 and has won three Super League titles, a World Club Challenge, plus three league leaders’ shields.

The 36-year-old previously had spells with Castleford Tigers, Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm.

He will say goodbye to Wigan fans when they take on Leigh Leopards in the season opener at The Brick Community Stadium on February 13, live on Sky Sports.

“During my time at Wigan Warriors I have been fortunate to work with some incredible people within the game. Wigan Warriors is a special club and I want to thank everyone I have had the privilege of working with,” said Isa .

“The fans, of course, are a big part of the club. I’m grateful for the way you’ve all embraced me. The least I could do was play my heart out every time I put on the Cherry and White shirt. I hope you saw that and I returned the trust and support you showed me.

“The decision was not easy and somewhat unexpected, but it is a blessing that I have been offered an opportunity to pursue. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, I have made the choice to end my professional career with immediate effect.

“In particular, I want to thank the medical team and everyone at the club who have supported me during my recovery from a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula. I am extremely grateful for their hard work, time and support that has enabled me get back to team training and experience the thrill of contact training again.

“None of this would have been possible without the trust of Shaun Wane and Kris Radlinski who brought me to this prestigious club, along with all the coaches right up to Matt Peet today. My goal was to help the team win trophies and I munda’ To be prouder leaving the club as a four-time winner.

“Now I’m one of you and I can’t wait to support the lads alongside you – so please save me a seat in the South Stand!”

Farrell signed a two-year contract extension

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

After a brief spell at Widnes, Farrell has spent his entire Super League career at Wigan, playing 380 games and scoring 143 tries.

The 34-year-old has six Dream Team appearances between 2015 and 2023 and is a Harry Sunderland winner.

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

“I feel 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 I hope that continues.”

Coach Peet added: “Liam Farrell’s contract extension is fantastic news for Wigan Warriors. He brings all the qualities a team needs from a captain – loyalty, hard work and leadership.

Liam’s commitment is a huge boost to all of us at Wigan Warriors and I’m excited to see him lead us forward in the years to come.”

Super League 2025 – key dates and what to watch out for

February 13: Season opener Wigan Warriors vs Leigh Leopards
March 1: Wigan Warriors vs Warrington Wolves in Las Vegas
April 17-19: Round 8 – Rivals Round
May 3-4: Magic Round (St James’ Park, Newcastle)
July 24: August 31 – Round 20 – round split over two weekends
September 4-7: Round 25 – Rivals Round matches reversed
September 18-21: Round 27 – final round of the regular season (dates and times tbc)
September 26-27: Elimination Play-Off
October 3-4: semi-finals
Saturday October 11: Grand Final (Old Trafford)

Sky Sports will again show every Super League game live this season – including two games in each round exclusively live, with the remaining four games each week shown on Sky Sports+