On Saturday evening, Wigan Warriors hosted our annual Women’s End of Season Awards evening at Robin Park Arena. Members of the Women’s first team and Academy, along with staff and families were in attendance.
The Warriors handed out 20 debuts in 2022, with 9 of those coming from products of Wigan Warriors Women’s Academy. The evening was a celebration of the efforts and achievements of both the Women’s first team and Academy in 2022.
Player of the Year – Carys Marsh
The first award of the evening was for Player of the Year. Voted for by Coaching staff, the winner was Carys Marsh.
In 2022, Marsh has played most of the competition out of her usual position, and has stepped up as a real leader of the team. Marsh has played 13 games for Wigan this season and scored three tries, her efforts also helped her to gain a further three caps for Wales this year as she featured against England, Italy and Ireland.
Academy Player of the Year – Eva Hunter
The Academy Player of the Year was awarded to Eva Hunter, Hunter made try-scoring appearances for the Women’s Academy as well as earning three first-team appearances for her outstanding efforts.
Young Player of the Year – Kaitlin Hilton
Also voted for by the Warriors Coaching staff was young player of the year. Though Head Coach Kris Ratcliffe paid tribute to the array of young talent who have made their debuts in 2022, the winner – for a second year running – was Kaitlin Hilton.
Hilton made 12 appearances in 2022, only missing one game through injury. She also scored her first try for the Club during the season, as well as featuring in the Women’s Academy and captaining the Academy side against St Helens. Her efforts also saw her selected for both England Universities and the England Knights squad this year.
Players’ Player of the Year – Georgia Wilson
Voted for by her peers, Players’ Player of the Year went to Georgia Wilson who has occupied the roles of full back, wing and centre this season and has earned a call-up to Craig Richards’ World Cup Squad to represent England.
In 2022, she made 12 appearances whilst racking up 72 points with 6 tries and 24 goals, taking her career tally to over 200 points.
Academy Players’ Player of the Year – Eva Hunter
Also voted for by her fellow Academy players, Eva Hunter took the accolade for the U19s. Described as ‘never taking a backwards step’ Hunter has shown her abilities and looks set for a bright future at the Club.
Top Try Scorer – Anna Davies
With 7 tries in 2022 across the Betfred Women’s Super League and Challenge Cup competitions, Top Try Scorer was awarded to Anna Davies.
Davies has added to her efforts from her 2020 debut season, with her best scoring return to date and surpassing 50-points for Wigan.
Coaches Award – Warriors off the field team
Kris Ratcliffe awarded the Coaches Award for 2022 for a collective group of players who were unable to take to the field in 2022 due to long-term injuries.
Players who have faced operations, season-long recoveries, have not taken to the field at all or have been limited to one or two games were invited to the stage. He said: “These girls consistently turn up, draw strength from each other and work harder than anybody to inch by inch, bit by bit get closer to once again pulling on that famous cherry and white shirt. They are a credit to themselves and their families and this club is lucky and proud to have them as representatives.”
Academy Coaches Award – Grace Banks
The Academy Coaches Award, presented by Head Coach John Whalley went to Grace Banks.
Banks featured in all three Academy games in 2022 as a half back, and at just 16-years old is already a leader on the field. In those games, she crossed for 5 tries as well as assisting many more and is another bright talent with a big future in Rugby League.
Warrior of the Year – Georgia Wilson
The final award of the evening was for Warriors of the Year, and picking up her second trophy of the evening was Georgia Wilson.
Wilson was described before receiving her award: “This player is the type of player that makes the game exciting, she brings spectators to the edge of their seats every time she touches the ball. She hasn’t been easily tackled all year and consistently beat defenders and threatened defences.”