Isa: All about finishing the job now
- Willie Isa reflects on Wigan’s 29-2 victory over Hull FC which saw the Warriors book a place in the Grand Final.
- The 31-year-old talks about beating the Black and Whites, returning to the DW Stadium after eight months away and discusses what makes Sean O’Loughlin a ‘legend’.
- Isa: “Everyone set their goals at the start of the season and we’re there, it is just about finishing the job now.”
Willie Isa says all focus for Wigan Warriors is on completing their main target for 2020 and lifting the Betfred Super League trophy.
Adrian Lam’s side booked their place in the Grand Final on Thursday night after beating Hull FC at the DW Stadium.
Ahead of Friday’s show piece game against St Helens at the KCOM Stadium, Isa says it is now all about getting over the line.
He said: “All the boys are happy, it’s where we want to be. Everyone set their goals at the start of the season and we’re there, it is just about finishing the job now.”
The second row felt the games at the back-end of the regular season prepared the Warriors well for the Semi Final Play-Off against the Black and Whites.
“We always knew Hull would come out fast, but we just needed to stay in. We had a good lead up to the Semi Final, which prepared us well. We just played our game and didn’t need to concentrate on them too much because we finish strong.
“For us as players we do our best to entertain our fans because it’s not easy for people being away from the stadium, so the best we can do is put our best performances in for them to watch with happiness.”
Isa, 31, was pleased to be able to play at the DW Stadium again for the first time in eight months, but admits it was strange not to have the fans there, especially to give a big send off to the retiring Wigan captain, Sean O’Loughlin.
“It was really good being back, it felt so normal and natural. It was a weird one as to have Sean O’Loughlin playing his last game there, and a legend like that he deserves a proper send off and hopefully we can do that when everyone is back.”
Isa has nothing but praise for O’Loughlin and doesn’t think there will be anyone else like him again in the sport.
“He has been a great player for our club, he is the G.O.A.T [Greatest Of All Time], the service he has given is remarkable. I’ve learnt a lot from a few players, but Lockers is up there.
“I’ve never seen someone who can play so many positions at high levels – that is credit to him and his hard work. I don’t think we will see many like him in the future because he is one of a kind.”
With St Helens standing between Wigan and the Betfred Super League title, Isa states they have to prepare correctly and enjoy the build up this week.
“We have confidence in ourselves and the work we put in, we just need to do the little things right in training and prepare, then we will be in a great position. We just need to embrace the moment.”
Written by Amos Wynn
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