In focus: Jade Gregory-Haselden

  • Wigan Women’s Jade Gregory-Haselden gives an insight into her time at Wigan so far and the task ahead as the Women go into the second half of their campaign on Sunday.
  • Gregory-Haselden: “Collectively we all know what we need to do, it’s just a case of getting out there and performing the best we can.”
  • Warriors to challenge for a place in the Betfred Women’s Grand Final through Play-Off games, starting this weekend against Castleford.

With not long to go until the Warriors Women get back underway in the Betfred Women’s Super League, we caught up with prop forward Jade Gregory-Haselden to discuss her Wigan career so far and the 2021 season.

Wigan’s No.10 joined for the Warriors’ inaugural season in 2018 and has made 21 appearances in all competitions for the Club.

Speaking on the last three years for the Cherry and Whites, she said: “Since starting at Wigan I feel like the effort I’ve put into rugby – inside and outside of training – hasn’t differed too much. I like to think I always work hard, making sure I do extras outside of training and I keep on top of my fitness. 

“I think the biggest difference between my first season and my last two seasons was having the opportunity to get on the pitch which has had a massive impact on my confidence. It’s also been beneficial to consistently play the same position. When I played my first game at Wigan I played in the centres, then I was put in at second row and finally as a prop. I do feel more comfortable playing in the forwards and that consistency has been another contributor to my confidence.”

Gregory-Haselden (left) in action this year.

Having played in every game for the Warriors this season, Gregory-Haselden reflected on her performances across the campaign so far in 2021.

“Personally, I think it’s been a bit mixed. There’s a couple of games where I thought I played well but on the other hand there’s been some games where I don’t feel like I performed the way I know I can. I guess the good thing to come out of that is that I know what I have to work on and hopefully I’ll keep improving as the season goes on.”

Gregory-Haselden scored her first competitive try in Wigan colours earlier in the season with a great effort against Huddersfield Giants. “It’s always nice to get over the line but it’s not something I’m putting any pressure on myself for,” she said. “My focus is more on doing the basics well and fulfilling my role in every game.”

Gregory-Haselden scoring her try against Huddersfield.

The Warriors now head in to the second half of the competition, where they will play against the rest of the top five teams for a place at the Women’s Grand Final in October.

Speaking on the task ahead, she said: “I’m expecting a lot of hard work from us all really. Play-Offs are always going to be intense and we’re up against some strong teams so we know it’s going to be tough, but we’re preparing for that and I think collectively we all know what we need to do, it’s just a case of getting out there and performing the best we can. 

“The other four teams all have different strengths and all play quite differently, so we’ll be taking each game as it comes.”

The Warriors Women take on Castleford Tigers in their first game back at Robin Park Arena in nearly two years this Sunday, 3pm K.O. Entry to watch the game costs £5 for Adults and £3 for Concessions. The game will also be broadcast live on Wigan TVSign-up today for just £5.99 a month!

Friday 27 August 2021