he was also part of the wigan team who defeated nrl champions, the cronulla-sutherland sharks 22–6 to win the world club challenge, which ensured oliver would join father ian (who was an interchange in the 1987 and 1991 wins) as a world club challenge medal winner. oliver also scored a try in that game. after starting the season is great form he broke three vertebrae in his back following a brett ferres 'crusher' tackle. gildart was ruled out for three months. he returned with a try against the leigh centurions on 8 june. he scored a few weeks later against the warrington wolves followed by a brace against leeds. in the challenge cup semi-final against salford he scored another brace and went on to score another try in the 2017 challenge cup final defeat by hull f.c. at wembley stadium.