Today, the Wigan Warriors held an open training session with the NRL Champions, the South Sydney Rabbitohs at the Solid Strip Community Stadium.
After nearly an hours delay, the Wigan Warriors and the South Sydney Rabbitohs were applauded onto the training pitch by over 1,000 fans thrilled to see the two sides train.
The Wigan Warriors trained with the Rabbitohs over in Australia before last year's World Club Challenge against the Sydney Roosters, and so Shaun Wane and his 'good mate' Michael MaGuire organised another meeting between the squads.
The session also included referee Tim Roby, who was surprised to hear himself being welcomed by a big applause by the fans at the session. Steve Ganson was also at the session, who wasn't as lucky with his welcoming...
The fans at the stadium were given an insight to the teams' training sessions, with Shaun Wane [Wigan Coach], Michael MaGuire [South Sydney Rabbitohs Coach], Matt King [South Sydney Rabbitohs], Tim Roby and Steve Ganson (plus more!) all interviewed during the session, all giving their thoughts on the day.
After training separately for an hour, the two teams came together to do some game-day drills, which saw Wigan score some beautiful tries that they'll be hoping to reproduce this Saturday when they face the Brisbane Broncos.
After the session, both sets of players were great with fans, allowing them onto the training field and all players took photos and signed autographs for the many fans that came down for the unique experience.
Greg Inglis was extremely popular with the fans, being surrounded by at least 100 excited fans at once, wanting to meet one of the best players in the world. Isaac Luke and the Burgess brothers were other players that were popular with the fans.
Some positive news for Wigan fans, as Dan Sarginson trained with the Warriors today and was looking fully fit. However, Sean O'Loughlin has been confirmed to miss the World Club Challenge game this Saturday night.
Here are some of my photos from this fantastic, unique experience -
After nearly an hours delay, the Wigan Warriors and the South Sydney Rabbitohs were applauded onto the training pitch by over 1,000 fans thrilled to see the two sides train.
The Wigan Warriors trained with the Rabbitohs over in Australia before last year's World Club Challenge against the Sydney Roosters, and so Shaun Wane and his 'good mate' Michael MaGuire organised another meeting between the squads.
The session also included referee Tim Roby, who was surprised to hear himself being welcomed by a big applause by the fans at the session. Steve Ganson was also at the session, who wasn't as lucky with his welcoming...
The fans at the stadium were given an insight to the teams' training sessions, with Shaun Wane [Wigan Coach], Michael MaGuire [South Sydney Rabbitohs Coach], Matt King [South Sydney Rabbitohs], Tim Roby and Steve Ganson (plus more!) all interviewed during the session, all giving their thoughts on the day.
After training separately for an hour, the two teams came together to do some game-day drills, which saw Wigan score some beautiful tries that they'll be hoping to reproduce this Saturday when they face the Brisbane Broncos.
After the session, both sets of players were great with fans, allowing them onto the training field and all players took photos and signed autographs for the many fans that came down for the unique experience.
Greg Inglis was extremely popular with the fans, being surrounded by at least 100 excited fans at once, wanting to meet one of the best players in the world. Isaac Luke and the Burgess brothers were other players that were popular with the fans.
Some positive news for Wigan fans, as Dan Sarginson trained with the Warriors today and was looking fully fit. However, Sean O'Loughlin has been confirmed to miss the World Club Challenge game this Saturday night.
Here are some of my photos from this fantastic, unique experience -