Jake Connor Signs with Wigan Warriors Following Liam Marshall’s Injury, Head Coach Matt Peet Confirms
Wigan, England – June 21, 2025
In a major mid-season development, Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has confirmed the signing of Jake Connor, following a long-term injury to winger Liam Marshall. The announcement was made during a press conference this morning at Robin Park Arena, sending ripples through the Super League community.
Connor, 30, had been playing for Huddersfield Giants since returning from a brief stint in the NRL, but recent speculation had linked him with a possible move due to limited game time and tactical changes under Giants head coach Ian Watson. Peet’s confirmation not only ends the speculation but also underlines Wigan’s ambition to maintain their position at the top of the Betfred Super League table.
Liam Marshall’s Injury Creates Urgency
The decision to bring Connor into the squad was expedited by the unfortunate injury to Liam Marshall, who suffered an ACL tear during last weekend’s victory over Catalans Dragons. The 28-year-old winger, a key figure in Wigan’s attacking structure, is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
“Losing Liam is a massive blow to us,” Matt Peet told reporters. “He’s been one of our most consistent performers, both defensively and going forward. But in sport, you have to adapt, and we’ve moved quickly to bring in a player who can offer us real quality and versatility.”
Jake Connor’s Arrival – Versatility and X-Factor
Jake Connor, known for his exceptional ball-handling, vision, and ability to cover multiple positions including fullback, centre, and stand-off, is widely regarded as one of the most talented yet enigmatic figures in British rugby league. With 10 England caps and years of Super League experience under his belt, Connor arrives with the expectation of both stabilising Wigan’s backline and adding attacking flair.
“Jake is a player I’ve admired for a long time,” Peet continued. “He brings that unpredictability and confidence that can change games. He’s got experience at the highest level, and we think he’ll thrive in our environment.”
Connor’s move comes with immediate effect, and he is expected to train with the squad early next week. Though he has primarily operated as a fullback or playmaker in recent seasons, Peet indicated that Connor’s first role at Wigan may be on the wing to directly replace Marshall.
“He’s more than capable of playing there,” said Peet. “He has the awareness, the skill set, and the competitiveness. But long-term, we see him contributing in a variety of roles.”
From Huddersfield to Wigan – A Strategic Move
Connor’s departure from Huddersfield Giants marks the end of a second spell with the club he initially left in 2017 to join Hull FC. His time at Huddersfield has been marked by brilliant individual moments but also some inconsistency, particularly as the Giants struggled to find a settled backline.
Huddersfield Giants released a short statement wishing Connor the best and acknowledging his contribution over the past two seasons.
“Jake Connor has left the club by mutual agreement to pursue a new opportunity with Wigan Warriors,” the statement read. “We thank Jake for his efforts and wish him all the best in this next chapter of his career.”
For Wigan, Connor’s arrival is both a contingency plan and a statement of intent. With the Warriors in contention for multiple trophies this season, bolstering their squad depth has been a priority for the coaching staff.
Fan Reaction and Expectations
Reaction among Wigan fans has been mixed, but largely optimistic. Social media platforms lit up shortly after the news broke, with many supporters expressing excitement about the potential of Connor linking up with key playmakers like Bevan French, Harry Smith, and Jai Field.
“I never thought I’d see Jake Connor in cherry and white,” tweeted one Wigan fan. “But if he plays to his ability and buys into the culture, he could be a game-changer.”
Others were more cautious, noting Connor’s reputation for on-field confrontations and occasional lapses in discipline.
“Talent isn’t the issue with Jake,” one user wrote on a Wigan fans’ forum. “The question is whether he can fit into a team-first mentality and stay focused.”
Coach Matt Peet addressed those concerns directly.
“Jake understands what’s expected at Wigan,” he said. “We’ve spoken at length about our standards and the team-first approach. He’s motivated, he’s hungry, and he knows this is a big opportunity for him at this stage in his career.”
What Next for the Warriors?
Wigan’s next fixture comes against Leeds Rhinos next Friday at Headingley, and Connor could make his debut if cleared by medical and registration protocols. Peet was non-committal about his immediate selection, stating that the coaching staff would assess fitness levels and integration into the squad before making a final call.
“We’ll see how he settles in training,” Peet said. “There’s no rush. The most important thing is that he’s ready to contribute positively, whenever that is.”
With the Challenge Cup semi-finals looming and Super League heading into a critical summer stretch, Wigan’s move for Connor could prove to be a masterstroke—or a gamble. For now, the rugby league world will be watching closely as Jake Connor dons the famous cherry and white jersey in pursuit of silverware and redemption.
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