Wigan Warriors star Dan Sarginson dedicates Super League title win to late brother

Emotional Dan Sarginson dedicated Wigan's Grand Final victory to his tragic brother Adam and declared: "I have done it for him."
Dan Sarginson dedicated his Grand Final win to his brother, who died last monthDan Sarginson dedicated his Grand Final win to his brother, who died last month
Dan Sarginson dedicated his Grand Final win to his brother, who died last month

The Wigan centre was rocked by the sudden death of his younger sibling last month.

He bravely played on days later and has been an ever-present member of Shaun Wane's side since, culminating in Saturday's 12-4 triumph over Warrington.

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Sarginson, who also won the 2016 Grand Final with Wigan, said: "My little brother came two years ago when we won it and it was one of the best days of his life.

"I had about an hour last night when I had to call a couple of coaches up to calm me down, I was in a bit of a state.

"I just wanted to go out there and win for him, I didn't want anything else. That still hasn’t sunk in as well and I’m sure there’ll be more tears later.

"I have done it for him. My other brother was here today and he got to experience that now, and my grandma who doesn’t really see me play. So many special moments to take from this game."

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Sarginson's old mate Josh Charnley gave Warrington the dream start but Wigan had poked 8-4 in front by half-time, and secured the win when Dom Manfredi crossed for his second try with minutes to go.

"We showed true character because we were our own worst enemies all game, and Warrington had us on the back foot," said Sarginson.

"We spent so much time in our own half. Not many teams have it but we just had that will to defend.

"We invested so much energy in covering each others’ backs, like you saw against Cas, we couldn’t be broken down. That’s what did it for us in the end, we weren’t the flashiest team or the best team out there today, but our character shone through."

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And victory ensured Shaun Wane, Sam Tomkins, Ryan Sutton and John Bateman - as well as head of youth Matty Peet and performance director Mark Bitcon - got the departing gift they wanted.

"The people that are going, especially Sam Tomkins and Shaun Wane, are massive, massive figures," added Sarginson. "As soon as you mention Wigan Warriors you think of their names. Batty’s been amazing for us, Sutty’s a kid growing up, but those two especially and Mark Bitcon, who’s been amazing for me. It hasn’t really sunk in yet but it’s amazing to do for them."