Noah Hodkinson's remarkable rise at Wigan Warriors: From rookie winger to Wembley contender

The 20-year-old, a specialist fullback by trade, has been drafted onto the wing over the last fortnight due to injuries to Liam Marshall and Dayon Sambou and has quickly caught the eye with assured performances against Bradford Bulls and Saints.

Hodkinson, who played his junior rugby at his local community club Hindley ARLFC before progressing through Wigan’s famed academy system, revealed he had barely played the position before being thrown into the first-team role by head coach Matt Peet.

“Obviously, with Marshy and Dayon being injured, we’ve got a few injuries, so Matty (Peet) has put his trust in me to go on the wing,” Hodkinson told Wigan Today after Saturday’s semi-final win over Saints.

“I’ve never really played wing before, but they narrowed the focus for me and with the likes of Jake Wardle inside of me, it makes my job a bit easier as well.

“I think I like fullback better to be fair, but I don’t mind being on the wing – it’s good, I do enjoy it out there.”

Despite looking comfortable in the role during Wigan’s recent wins over Bradford and Saints, Hodkinson admitted his experience on the flank prior to the last fortnight was almost non-existent!

“I played one game on the wing in the academy two or three years ago, but apart from that, I’ve never played there,” Hodkinson laughed.

Saints repeatedly tested the youngster with kicks and attacking traffic down his edge during the contest, but Hodkinson handled the challenge confidently as Wigan kept their opponents scoreless to secure another trip to Wembley.

The youngster believes there are more similarities between fullback and wing than many might expect, though he credited his experienced centre partner, Jake Wardle, for helping make the transition smoother.

“There are a lot of similarities in fullback and winger, really, with defence and kicks,” he said.

“The only real difference is being in the line defending, and whatever Wardle does, I copy, so he makes it ten times easier for me!”

Hodkinson also paid tribute to the support network around him within the Wigan squad as he adapts to an unfamiliar position at senior level.

“If I have a question, I can always go to someone, Marshy or any of the young lads,” he said.

“You’ve got the people around you to ask questions, but everyone is supportive and narrows the focus down, so you’ve just got a few things to do, and if you get that right, then you’ll have a good game.”

Saturday’s appearance was Hodkinson’s fifth senior outing since making his Wigan debut in March, capping a remarkable rise for a player still in only his second full season as part of the club’s first-team set-up.

The step up to Super League has been demanding, but Hodkinson believes Wigan’s pathways have prepared him for the challenge.

“It’s a lot different, the level is a lot more intense,” he said. “Each game is more intense compared to reserves, but you’ve just got to dig deep.

“I think Wigan instil it deep into you when you’re coming through the ranks anyway to allow you to make that jump, but the first-team is a lot harder and a lot more physically challenging.”

Hodkinson’s emergence has quickly made him a popular figure among Wigan supporters, particularly given his local roots after beginning his rugby league journey Hindley.

His family have also embraced his breakthrough into the senior side, although the build-up to the derby clash with St Helens came with added banter from mates who support Wigan’s rivals!

“My family love it,” he smiled. “My brother presented me with my debut shirt, and my family are made up for me – but a few of my mates are Saints fans, and I was getting a bit of stick off them all week! It’s all good, they’re happy for me, but I’m sure I’ll get a few messages from them.”

Wigan’s dominant victory over Saints sealed a Challenge Cup final showdown with Hull KR on May 30, and with Marshall and Sambou still sidelined through injury, Hodkinson could yet find himself involved on the biggest stage under the famous Wembley arch less than three months after his debut.

The prospect is something the youngster admits still feels difficult to comprehend.

“I’m excited,” he said. “There’s a chance I might be able to play… It would mean a lot to me.

“It’s all a bit surreal really, from not playing a game a few months ago to now maybe playing at Wembley… It’s a bit surreal.”

The Warriors face Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR in Super League over the next fortnight ahead of their Wembley showdown with Hull KR on Saturday, May 30, as Peet’s side target their first piece of silverware since their Grand Slam-winning season in 2024.

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