Key Players
Key players for Wigan Warriors in 2006 were:
- Chris Ashton was brought into the Wigan squad at the start of 2006 as replacement for the injured Kris Radlinski. Ashton had impressed on his debut for Wigan in 2005 scoring two tries against Huddersfield Giants but in 2006 he showed good skill, pace and talent and impressed many Wigan fans and people within rugby league. He finished the 2006 as the leading try scorer at Wigan and his support play throughout the season was excellent, although some criticism was made about his defensive abilities he did earn a call into the England squad at the end of the year. Ashton was one of the most consistent players for Wigan through the 2006 and was a contender for the Young Player of the Year award.
- Michael Dobson was signed by Wigan after he his loan finished with Catalans Dragons as a replacement for Denis Moran who had been released by Wigan a week earlier. Donson had impressed for Catalans Dragons bet when he signed for Wigan, Wigan were at the bottom of the league and facing relegation at the end of the season. His talents, organisation skills and goal kicking were a big factor in Wigan surviving relegation. In 2006 Michael Dobson was the most consistent goal kicker in Rugby League.
- Stuart Fielden signed for Wigan from Bradford Bulls on 22 June 2006 for a Super League record transfer fee of £450,000. Fielden was regarded as one of the best props in the world by many and his influence in the Wigan team could clearly be seen. He was strong in both attack and defense and offered leadership and inspiration to the rest of the Wigan players. Fielden was defiantly one of the main reasons that Wigan survived relegation in 2006, not only did he provide a physical presence on the pitch he offered new hope to Wigan fans and players.
Read more about this topic: 2006 Wigan Warriors Season
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