Wigan Warriors veteran Willie Isa has announced his retirement from rugby league ahead of the new 2025 Super League season.

Isa joined Wigan in 2016 and has won three Super League titles, a World Club Challenge, plus three League Leaders’ Shields.

The 36-year-old previously had spells with Castleford Tigers, Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm.

He will say goodbye to Wigan fans when they take on Leigh Leopards in the season-opener at The Brick Community Stadium on February 13, live on Sky Sports.

“During my time at Wigan Warriors I was fortunate to have worked with some incredible people within the game. Wigan Warriors is a special club and I want to thank everyone who I have had the privilege of working with,” said Isa.

“The fans, of course, are a big part of the club. I am grateful for the way you have all embraced me. The least I could do was play with my heart every time I wore the Cherry and White jersey. I hope you saw that and I have repaid the faith and support you showed me.

“The decision has not been easy and somewhat unexpected, but it is a blessing that I have been offered an opportunity to pursue. For me to take this opportunity, I have made the choice to end my professional career with immediate effect.

“Specifically, I want to thank the medical team and everyone at the club who has supported me throughout the recovery of my ankle dislocation and fractured fibula. I am extremely grateful for their hard work, time and support which has enabled me to return into full team training and experience the thrills of contact training again.

“None of this would have been possible without having the trust of Shaun Wane and Kris Radlinski who brought me into this prestigious club, along with all the coaches through to Matt Peet today. My aim was to help the team win trophies and I couldn’t be prouder leaving the club as a quadruple winner.

“Now I am one of you and look forward to supporting the boys alongside you – so please save me a seat in the South Stand!”

Farrell signs two-year contract extension

Wigan also confirmed on Friday that Liam Farrell has penned a new two-year contract extension that will see him remain with Matt Peet’s side until the end of 2027.

After a short spell at Widnes, Farrell has spent his entire Super League career at Wigan, playing 380 games and scoring 143 tries.

The 34-year-old has six Dream Team appearances between 2015 and 2023, and is a Harry Sunderland winner.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to play at this great Club for two more years,” said Farrell.

“I feel more privileged now than I did when I was making my debut as a 19-year old because of the success I have had throughout my career and hopefully this will continue.”

Head coach Peet added: “Liam Farrell’s contract extension is fantastic news for Wigan Warriors. He carries all the qualities a team needs from a captain – loyalty, hard work, and leadership.

Liam’s commitment is a huge boost for us all at Wigan Warriors, and I’m excited to see him drive us forward in the years to come.”

2025 Super League – key dates and what to look out for

February 13: Season-opener Wigan Warriors vs Leigh Leopards
March 1: Wigan Warriors vs Warrington Wolves in Las Vegas
April 17-19: Round 8 – Rivals Round
May 3-4: Magic Round (St James’ Park, Newcastle)
July 24: August 31 – Round 20 – split round across two weekends
September 4-7: Round 25 – Rivals Round fixtures reversed
September 18-21: Round 27 – last round of regular season (dates and times tbc)
September 26-27: Elimination Play-Offs
October 3-4: Semi-Finals
Saturday October 11: Grand Final (Old Trafford)

Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season – including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining four matches each week shown on Sky Sports+