Wigan Warriors suffered defeat in their first game of the pre-season but plenty of lessons were learnt, including a hint at the long-term position for one of the club’s 2026 signings.

North Wales Crusaders beat a very young Wigan Warriors side, led by the reserves head coach John Duffy, in Colwyn Bay. The League One champions came out on top with a 34-22 win over the youthful side, whilst the rest of the squad took part in a military training camp.

Among the more senior faces involved in North Wales were Tiaki Chan, who is back at the club after spells out on loan, as well as new signings Dayon Sambou and Jonny Vaughan, who both got Super League experience in 2025.

The pair of outside backs signed from St Helens and both started in the backs with Vaughan at centre and Sambou on the wing, however, Vaughan shifted into the second-row, a position that many view as his long-term role at Wigan.

Wigan Warriors coach picks positives from pre-season loss

Duffy confirmed that testing Vaughan out in that role was one of the goals of the friendly, whilst also blooding many of the club’s young talents including hooker Tom Forber, who returned after a wrist injury.

“Tom’s done a good job in coming back. It was good to see him out there getting minutes,” Duffy commented on the club’s website.

As for the new recruits, he added: “I thought Dayon (Sambou) carried well and we wanted to have a look at Jonny (Vaughan) in the back row.”

He added: “(Playing Jonny and Dayon) on the same side settled them as they are used to each other.”

Others to impress included Shea O’Connor, who Duffy hailed as ‘absolutely brilliant’ in what the coach considered a ‘good run out’, however, he did note that the second-half was much improved on the first.

Duffy said: “Our start wasn’t great, we didn’t cope well. I think it was a bit of physicality with their older lads and our young lads, but there were positives we will see when watching the game back.”

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