Wigan Roses

We now come to an era when the fabric of Lancashire rugby starts to change. With the British Isles tourists having a successful tour, the 1888-89 season would start to see new players make their mark for the Red Rose.

With Wigan starting their season unbeaten (apart from a loss against a scratch team of superstar players arranged by Mr. Sutton of the Athletic News) against teams such as Crompton, Kendal Hornets and Oldham, Wiganers caught the eye of County selectors. Jim Slevin, Dick Seddon and Billy Atkinson were chosen to go for a trial match at the start of November. Atkinson was very consistent, scoring in each match by either a try or goal