Nsemba: Special competition

• Junior Nsemba spoke to the press ahead of Sunday’s Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter-Final tie at Castleford Tigers.
• Nsemba: “Any competition we play in is special because we’re representing the Club’s name so we’re not trying to take anything for granted in what we do.”
• Watch full match previews with Matt Peet and Junior Nsemba on Wigan TV HERE.

Wigan Warriors forward Junior Nsemba spoke to the press ahead of Sunday’s Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter-Final at Castleford Tigers.

Nsemba comes into the tie off the back of scoring his first Betfred Super League try for the Warriors, after he crossed the line in Wigan’s 40-12 away win over Leigh Leopards last time out.

The 19-year-old claimed maximum Man of Steel points from his Player of the Match performance, and reflecting on a busy week ahead of the trip to Castleford, Nsemba said: “It’s all been too much for me to handle to be honest, I’m a bit overwhelmed. I’m very happy with the achievement and what I’ve done, and hopefully I can keep improving going into the future.”

Speaking through the post-match reaction, Nsemba said: “I spoke to my Dad a lot – I phoned him straight after the game. My Mum then rang and she was buzzing. I was chatting to a couple of friends and family too and they were happy for me – everyone said I’m doing them proud so hopefully I can continue that.”

Nsemba started for the Warriors in their Sixth Round win over Sheffield Eagles at the DW Stadium, and looking ahead to the Quarter-Final clash against Castleford, the forward said: “I haven’t played at Castleford yet but I know it’s a tough place to go. If we stick to our game plan then I think we should be alright.”

Working towards @TheChallengeCup QF's! 🏆

🎟️ https://t.co/MZLvisYokd#WWRL #ChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/hyArnznSTf

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) April 9, 2024

Sharing his pride on playing for the Warriors, Nsemba said: “It means a lot because I used to live around the corner from the stadium – it’s a blessing to play for my hometown club.

“Any competition we play in is special because we’re representing the Club’s name so we’re not trying to take anything for granted in what we do.”

Nsemba also shared the value of playing alongside experienced second rowers Liam Farrell and Willie Isa, as well as the benefits of learning from the coaches: “I’ve learnt a lot already from leaders like Willie (Isa) and Faz (Liam Farrell), and I’m still trying to improve my game.

“They’re still teaching me new things each day, and if I’m not sure on what to do in a certain situations then I know I can talk to them. They’re always welcoming and willing to help because they’ve been through it as well.

“Being in the First Team is a blessing and I’m always looking to learn from our coaches.”

Watch full match previews with head coach Matt Peet and Junior Nsemba now on Wigan TV HERE.

Junior Nsemba is sponsored by Slobbery Chops

By Harvey Orgill.