Isa: Step one of the journey
- Willie Isa previews Wigan’s season opener against Leigh this evening.
- Isa: “We want to strive to be better.”
- Leigh Centurions v Wigan Warriors, Friday 26th March, K.O. 8:15pm.
Willie Isa says Wigan Warriors are ‘ready to compete’ ahead of tonight’s Betfred Super League opener against Leigh Centurions.
Both sides will travel to Leeds to play at the neutral venue of Emerald Headingley Stadium in a double header which also includes St Helens v Salford in the early kick off (6pm).
Isa hopes the Wigan team can build on last season’s performances and continue to evolve under head coach, Adrian Lam.
“It was a great platform, we improved as a team, but we want to stive to be better,” Isa said. “After taking a year to adapt to a new regime, we all knew exactly was expected and was able to step up.
“We all have our individual goals and want to go one step further. Today is the first step of our journey, and everyone is ready to compete.”
The 32-year-old believes a ‘tough’ pre-season has prepared them up for the forthcoming campaign, where he expects the younger players in the squad to play an important role.
“There has been a lot of training with emphasis on our intensity, which has been tough, but hopefully it will set us up for the season ahead. Our young guys are now a year older in the system, and we will be better for it.”
Throughout the off-season, Wigan welcomed John Bateman back to the Club and Isa is excited to play alongside him again.
“Feels like he (Bateman) never left. He has come back a more rounded person and is bringing new stuff to the group. It’s a big plus for Super League to have him, and I’m looking forward to competing side by side with him.
The Warriors have also added Jai Field to the 2021 squad and he could make his debut against Leigh.
“He is new to the country but has fitted in smoothly, even if he doesn’t understand all of the Wiganers yet,” said Isa.
Ahead of the season opener, Isa says Wigan are not underestimating their opponents, but the main focus still remains on themselves.
“Leigh will want a good start to the season, so they will be up for it, but I’m more concerned about what we can do and achieving our goals.”
By Amos Wynn
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