Eckersley: Enjoying every moment

  • Zach Eckersley reacted to Wigan Warriors’ 36-0 victory at home to London Broncos in Round 15 of Betfred Super League action.
  • Eckersley: “I’m just learning off everyone around me and enjoying every moment I have on the field.
  • FT | Wigan Warriors 36-0 London Broncos.

Zach Eckersley reflected on an enjoyable few weeks as Wigan Warriors beat London Broncos at the Brick Community Stadium.

The Warriors were back in home action for the first time in seven weeks, with over 14,000 in attendance as the club celebrated the armed forces. Players and staff also brought out all four of the First Team’s trophies prior to kick-off, with the fixture signalling their first game at The Brick Community Stadium since winning the Betfred Challenge Cup at Wembley.

“The crowd were amazing”, said Eckersley. “There was a really good turnout and they were with us the whole game, so the energy was all there. Obviously it’s been a while, but they were really loud and supportive tonight.”

While impressive in attack to record six converted tries on the night, but the Warriors were also imposing in defence, allowing zero points from their opponents. Eckersley in particular had a big say on keeping the Broncos to nil, when he made an outstanding try-saving tackle in the first half to knock the ball free from Ugo Tison, who’s attempt to score was shown to be a no try as a result of the defensive effort.

“The boys defended well”, said Eckersley. “That’s always the main thing is defence first, and we got the clean sheet so we were really happy with that.”

The victory made for Eckersley’s fourth senior appearance on the bounce, who has stepped up to the challenge in fellow centre Adam Keighran’s absence.

Reflecting on a busy few weeks, which included a try in the Challenge Cup final, Eckersley said: “I’m just enjoying every moment and learning off the coaches. I’m trying to learn off Lockers [Sean O’Loughlin] and Tommy [Leuluai] as much as possible and obviously Adam as well – he’s been helping me a lot while he’s been out.

“I’m just learning off everyone around me and enjoying every moment I have on the field.”

The 21-year-old also highlighted Abbas Miski’s presence as a help during his run in the team, with the winger continuing to show his quality on the right-hand-side with a try against London. “It’s really good”, said Eckersley on having Miski beside him. “Obviously Abbas is a great winger and he’s performing well at the moment. With his experience as well it’s great to have someone like Abbas on your outside.”

Looking ahead to an international break before returning to Betfred Super League action at home to Leigh Leopards in two weeks’ time, Eckersley said: “Obviously it’s international week next week so we’ll rest, recover and go again against Leigh. We’ll get back training and work hard again like we do and hopefully put in another good performance then.”

By Harvey Orgill.

Saturday 22 June 2024