SILVA BRINGS MARTIAL LAW TO WARRIORS

RAMON SILVA has a story like no other in Super League.

Wigan’s recent front row signing was born in Sao Paulo, moved to London aged just two and until his mid-teens focused his sporting attention on martial arts.

Dad Ricardo is a renowned MMA coach who has trained the likes of UFC lightweight Jimi Manuwa and Bellator fighter Nathan Rose.

Ramon looked set to follow in his father’s footsteps until a friend invited him to try rugby league and just four years later he joined the Warriors out of London Broncos’ academy.

Silva (above) said: “I didn’t start rugby until I was about 16. I always did martial arts, my dad is a black belt in Jiu-jitsu and has travelled around the world coaching.

“In terms of coaching I’ve had the best on that side. It’s helped me with dedication and being sensible when I started rugby.

“I did wrestling, Jiu-jitsu, MMA and Thai boxing. The wrestling has helped here because some of the guys at Wigan are absolutely massive.

“It does help me and in the matches as well with my tackling technique, holding people down.”

Dad Ricardo knew nothing of Super League when his son’s career path changed, but that has been amended.

Silva said: “He didn’t know how to play rugby and had never watched it, now he’s a complete Wigan fan.

“They came up to see me train for the first time and he bought loads of stuff to wear back at home. He’s a proper fan now.

“I want to play as many games as I can for the first team, develop as much as I can and actually be a key player rather than just taking part.”