Harrison Hansen set for Wigan Warriors reunion as Paris double-header awaits

Wigan Warriors supporters making the trip to Paris this weekend will have the chance to reunite with a former fan favourite - with Harrison Hansen calling on fans to back his Pia side in Saturday’s Super XIII final.

The former Warriors forward will captain Pia against Carcassonne at Stade Jean-Bouin in the curtain-raiser to Wigan’s Super League clash with Catalans Dragons.

It marks another chapter in a remarkable career for Hansen, who is still playing at the age of 40 and will lead Pia into the first major final in the club’s history.

The former New Zealand and Samoa international remains a popular figure among Wigan supporters after making 242 appearances for the club between 2004 and 2013, helping the Cherry and Whites win two Super League titles and two Challenge Cups.

Now preparing for another big occasion in France, Hansen admitted the opportunity holds special significance.

“It’s a massive achievement for the club and the town of Pia,” Hansen said. “I’m really honoured to be part of this team and to be captain and to take this team to its first final.

“It’s going to be an historic final for the club, so it is an amazing opportunity to get a chance to win another championship and to be able to do it in front of the Wigan crowd is going to be really special for me.”

With thousands of Wiganers expected in the French capital, Hansen hopes some of them will arrive early to cheer on Pia before Matt Peet’s side take on Catalans in Round 13 of Super League.

“I just want to shoutout to Wigan Warriors fans, you’ve supported me throughout my whole career,” he said.

“I had a good 10 years there, had a lot of success, and I really love the fans and their support, so it would mean more than anything if you Wigan fans can come out on Saturday, support our final and the town of Pia.

“So get there early to watch a great final, hopefully we can get another win and have the support of the old boys of Wigan Warriors. Allez Pia!”

Current Warriors head coach Peet was involved in Wigan’s academy set-up during Hansen’s playing days and spoke warmly about the former back-rower, who now plays primarily as a prop.

“I was in the academy when H was playing here,” said Peet. “He is an outstanding fella.

“It was unbelievable to see what he put his body through back then, so to still be playing at 40, and the way he plays the game, I can imagine the states that he gets out of bed in sometimes after the way he’s played the game!

“He is so committed, so physical, so brave. I think anyone who has worked with H knows what a competitor he is, and everyone at Wigan holds him in really high esteem, and I’m sure the Wigan fans will look forward to seeing him at the weekend.”

The Super XIII final kicks off at 4:30pm (3:30pm UK) on Saturday, before Wigan and Catalans meet in the French capital at 7:30pm (6:30pm UK).