Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Isa’s interest delights kids
HOSPICE VISIT PUTS DEFEAT IN PERSPECTIVE FOR WIGAN
WILLIE ISA and his Wigan team-mates found the perfect antidote to their Good Friday disappointment by handing out Easter eggs at a local children’s hospice.
The Warriors looked set to make it a remarkable nine Bank Holiday weekend wins in a row over rivals St Helens when Isa touched down with 14 minutes of a pulsating clash left.
But Regan Grace’s late try helped Saints break their Good Friday hoodoo and moved Justin Holbrook’s team four points clear at the Super League summit.
It was Wigan’s first Easter derby defeat under passionate coach Shaun Wane.
But it didn’t stop Isa and his team-mates bringing some holiday happiness to children at nearby Derian House in Chorley yesterday.
The Samoan international said: “You see kids in hospitals dealing with what are every day issues for them, and remember this is just a game. It puts things in perspective — this is real life for them.
“We’re lucky as rugby league players in that we’ve got a bit of a status to help the local community out.
“As players we have responsibilities and a duty to give back to the community, and that’s a great thing. Giving children some Easter eggs and seeing the smiles on their faces is what it’s all about. It’s a great thing for the club to do and for the players to be involved in.”
Wigan looked to have overcome the late withdrawal of Sam Tomkins through illness at Saints when they overturned a 10-point deficit to lead 14-12 late on.
Isa admitted the loss of their star full-back – central to a new attacking game plan all week – was a blow, with Morgan Escare stepping in having been unable to train during the week himself.
Isa said: “Sam is one of the key players in our spine and he was sick during the week.
“Morgan came in and he did his job – as a 17 the effort was there.
“You couldn’t fault that but there were too many penalties and easy yards for them.”