Oliver Wilson's first interview as a Wigan Warriors player - culture attraction, ambitions and reuniting with familiar faces

The 25-year-old has bolstered Wigan’s forward pack ahead of next season, having joined the club on a four-year contract from fellow Super League side Huddersfield Giants.

Wilson, who made more than 100 appearances for Huddersfield across seven seasons, says the move represents an exciting new chapter in his career – and one that he was determined to make happen as soon as Wigan came calling.

“Towards the backend of the season, me and Huddersfield had an honest conversation about my future, and both parties agreed that it was probably best that I move on,” Wilson said when asked about how his move to Wigan came about.

"Then it became about finding the right club for me. Luckily for me, Wigan were interested, and as soon as I heard that, I was pretty set that was where I wanted to go. I told my agent that is the club I want to be at – and thankfully, we managed to make it happen.”

It is believed that Wilson attracted plenty of interest from other Super League clubs, but Wigan was the one that stood out above the rest for Wilson.

“From the outside looking in, it’s a club that I’ve always respected massively,” he said.

"You can tell with the way they play that there’s a strong culture, and I think it’s probably the team off the field too, with how they treat their fans and even their past players. It’s something other teams look up to, so that was a massive part of it.”

Although Wilson hasn’t worked directly under Warriors boss Matt Peet before, the pair have long been aware of each other from their days in the pathways.

“I’ve known about Matty for a while because when I was at Bradford Under-19s, I think he was the head coach of Wigan’s Academy, so we’ve known of each other for a while,” Wilson said.

It would be fair to say their initial conversations as player and coach left a strong impression on Wilson.

“We talked about goals for next year – obviously to win stuff – and how I fit into that,” Wilson added.

"It’s all been really positive. He’s nice to speak to, seems like an honest bloke, and I’m excited to get working with him.”

Wilson knows all about the challenge of facing Wigan, having lined up against them a number of times wearing the claret and gold of Huddersfield – none more so than the 2022 Challenge Cup final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – a gripping encounter that saw Wigan seal the win in the closing stages thanks to a Liam Marshall’s match-winner, with the Cup win marking Matt Peet’s first trophy as head coach of his hometown club.

“I thought we were flying that year at Huddersfield, and it probably derailed a bit after that game,” he reflected.

"We were winning until the last five minutes when Wigan took the edge, but it was a great game at a great stadium. It’ll be nice for rugby league to go back there again – it was a special occasion.”

The Halifax native has been keeping himself in shape throughout the off-season ahead of what promises to be an intense pre-season with Wigan, who will be looking to bounce back from what turned out to be a rare trophyless season in 2025.

“I’ve been doing my own training – a bit of running and weights – nothing too extreme, but enough so that I feel good and ready to go,” Wilson said. “I’m ready for it. It’s all a challenge, but the hard work now pays off in the season.”

And with Wilson’s prime years as a front-rower still ahead of him, the 25-year-old is relishing the opportunity to develop among one of Super League’s most formidable forward packs.

"It’s exciting,” he admitted. “There are a lot of talented props in this team that I’m going to learn loads from, train against and play alongside. I think I’ll be able to learn a lot.”

Currently based in Halifax, where he was born and raised, Wilson plans to make a permanent move across the Pennines soon.

"For now, yeah, I’m still in Halifax, but I’m looking to move over as soon as I can,” he added.

Although a new signing for Wigan, Wilson will be joining a dressing room that already includes a few familiar faces from his time representing England at academy and senior level.

“Ethan Havard, Harry Smith and Sam Walters were all in the England Academy side when we played the Australian Schoolboys in 2018,” he said. “I also roomed with Thommo (Luke Thompson) last year for England against France, so I know a few of the lads.”

Wilson, who made his international debut in a win over France in Toulouse last year, hopes to use his time at Wigan as a springboard to add to his sole England cap.

“That’s always my goal,” he said. “It’s the pinnacle of sport to play for your country. My aim this year is to do well at Wigan, and hopefully that comes hand in hand with being selected for England again.”

With Wilson having put pen to paper on a contract at the Brick Community Stadium until at least the end of 2029, the long-term deal gives him both stability and motivation to make his mark with the Cherry and Whites.

“I’ll take each year as it comes – it’s a long deal and I’ve got loads of time to prove myself,” he said. “I just need to get my head down, earn the respect of my teammates, the coaches and the fans.”

Wilson’s first day wearing his new club crest came on Wednesday at the club’s Robin Park Arena HQ – facilities he has already been blown away by.

“It’s outstanding, isn’t it? The best by a mile,” he said. “It’s elite – I’ve never really experienced anything like it, so I’m excited to get working here.”

And whilst he hasn’t met any Wiganers just yet, he is eager to do so.

“I’ve not met any of the Wigan fans yet, it is my first day, but I’m pretty excited to meet them all,” he smiled.

Wilson’s move to Wigan is no doubt a big transfer for the club and for the player, but the prop’s mindset is clear: work hard, put the team first and contribute to Wigan’s pursuit of trophies.

“Just to help the team, I will try to bring what I’m good at to the team and help the team succeed,” Wilson finished.

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