Wilson: Hard work paying off

• Catch up with Georgia Wilson ahead of Betfred Women’s Super League Play-Offs.
• Women’s winger has scored 13 tries in five appearances for the Warriors this year.
• Wilson: “I’ve been working really hard to make this season my best season yet at Wigan.”

Warriors Women winger Georgia Wilson says she is happy with how the 2021 season has gone so far as Wigan now prepare for the start of the Play-Offs.

Wilson, 23, has scored 13 tries in five appearances so far in the Betfred Women’s Super League for Wigan and is the team’s top try scorer.

The Warriors finished third in the league with five wins from seven, and the attention now turns to the Play-Offs as they fight it out for a place in the Grand Final (read more here).

On reflection of the regular season, Wilson said: “I’m really happy with how the season started out for us. We’ve had a lot of new additions to the squad this season and it’s really good to see how hard everyone has worked. I’ve been working really hard to make this season my best season yet at Wigan.

“I have committed so much more time to Wigan this season compared to previous seasons – so I’m really pleased with the start I’ve had, it’s proving that the hard work and commitment is paying off. Staying behind after training to do extras and the early get ups to go to the gym or do conditioning sessions is definitely worth it.”

Wilson joined the Warriors for their inaugural season in 2018 after previously playing Rugby Union for UCLan and Preston Grasshoppers.

After helping Wigan to win the Women’s Super League Grand Final in 2018 and becoming a try scoring sensation this year, Wilson says she has adapted well since changing codes.

“My understanding of the game has really helped with my development in the game since 2018. Video analysis of my own performance as well as the team performance has helped me improve also. I try to watch as many Rugby League games as I can. I usually learn from watching, so the more games I watch the more I can improve. Understanding what my role is on the pitch has developed and this season I think it’s clear to see that when I’m playing.”

The Warriors No.4 also explained how competitive it is for a spot in the team this year: “Like I mentioned earlier there were a lot of additions to the squad this season. This makes it a much more competitive environment, which is what we needed. It’s making people work harder for a starting shirt and do all they can to prove why they deserve to be part of the squad. 

“It’s healthy competition which is a massive positive to take from the season. The season has been quite stop-start so far with games being cancelled and Challenge Cup rounds we unfortunately missed out on, but this has made us work harder and work on our weaknesses as a squad because we know there is room for improvement. Our aim is to get to the Semi Final of the Play-Offs and hopefully the Grand Final. Overall, I’m pretty happy with the season so far and we’ve just got to stay focused and keep working hard.”

Wilson spent a couple weeks on the sidelines following her appearance in England’s mid-season International game against Wales in June. Speaking on the injury, she said: “I took a knock which is never ideal of course. I really struggle when I pick up injuries because I hate missing out on training. 

“I have always enjoyed training and playing with the squad so when I’m unable to participate I find it very difficult. Rehab and rest has been my main priority, but after four weeks it’s finally on the mend and I managed to feature in the last couple of games so I’m happy to be back out there.”

The Women’s game has benefitted from plenty of coverage in 2021, with one game each week streamed live on Twitch or TheSportsman.com. That is also set to continue during the Play-Offs with one game each week set to be available to watch on Twitch.

Broadcasting Women’s games is something Wilson feels is vital for the game moving forward: “It’s been amazing to see so much coverage of the women’s game. Getting the women involved in at clubs and at an international level has been huge. I’ve been involved in a couple of interviews with Our League and the Wigan Warriors Podcasts, which has been great.

“Live coverage on Twitch has been beneficial for the Women’s game – people who have never watched Women’s rugby before have been commenting on how good the games have been. Broadcasting Women’s Rugby League on a wider level is something that has been a long time coming.”

The Wigan Women are currently preparing for the Play-Offs, which is due to kick off next week as the top five teams battle it out for a spot in this year’s Grand Final. Speaking on the next stage of the competition, Wilson said: “As a squad we just need to take each game as it comes. Our focus every week is the next game we have; we can’t look too far ahead.”

Tickets for Wigan’s Betfred Super League Rivals Round clash against St Helens are now on sale! 

The biggest derby in Rugby League will take place on Friday 20th August at the DW Stadium. Don’t miss out and get your tickets now! Buy online by clicking HERE or call the DW Stadium Ticket Office on 01942 311111 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri).