WILLIE’S OUT OF SIGHT
CHALLENGE CUP FINAL Ace happy in shadows
®Êby JULIE STOTT WILLIE ISA says he is happy to be the man fans forget as long as Wigan win the Challenge Cup final. The Samoan international, 28, helped the Warriors win the Grand Final last year and the hard-working forward is happy to stay in the shadows, if his team-mates can dazzle. He said: “I am a simple sort of bloke and not the type that stands out. “I am not too flash, I just enjoy being in a team sport. I do the things that not many people see in games, the not-so-good stuff like tackling and running for other forwards to do their jobs. “If I can create a bit of energy around the forwards and take some load off them then I have done my job.” If the forwards do their jobs, Isa is happy to see Wigan’s superstar backs create havoc in attack.
Credit
He added: “I am not a George Williams, Sam Tomkins or Anthony Gelling but I’m happy for them to have the credit because players like George are real stars.”
Isa was dropped for the World Club Challenge win over Cronulla. Coach Shaun Wane said Isa had to make way because he needed a huge pack and there could be a temptation to go for bulk again against Hull at Wembley on Saturday.
Joel Tomkins is back from injury giving Wane a full pack to choose from for the first time this season. Isa is desperate to get the nod and Wane hinted he cannot break his heart again.
He said: “It’s easy to tell people they are not playing if it’s about performance but that was one of the toughest conversations I’ve had with a player.
“But I’m very happy with Willie, I like him. He played against Salford at the weekend even though he was ill and was outstanding the week before.”
Isa says he will go along with whatever decision Wane makes.
“He is the teacher and I am the student and I like that,” he said. “I like the fact that someone tells me what to do. It keeps everything in order and keeps people disciplined.”