NO REPEET OF MY BAD WAYS

Isa: I’ll play the game as hard as I can, but must learn from my behaviour

WILLIE ISA wants to be a figurehead of Wigan’s fresh approach under rookie head coach Matt Peet.

The Warriors fell well below expectations in 2021, failing to make the semi-finals of either the Challenge Cup or Super League play-offs.

Isa’s own campaign included a public apology for a four-match ban following two unsavoury incidents in a home defeat to St Helens.

The back rower insists he has learned from that saga and is now relishing working under the highly rated Peet.

Isa, 33, said: “I’m one of those guys who will play as hard as they can and probably push the boundaries sometimes.

“But you put your hand up when you’ve done wrong and that’s what I did. As a senior player I do not want to be getting penalised every time on the field.

“I need to work on that. I thought putting a statement out was the right thing to do.

“I wanted to let people know that I am human, and I get things wrong every day. In that incident it didn’t go perfectly for me.

“I will play the game as hard as I can no matter what, and I will do my ultimate best to keep playing and lead this team the best I can.

“For me, I had to learn from my behaviours on the field, it was plain and simple – and you have to be honest in assessment. “I’m working with Matty Peet and the coaching staff to make sure I’m clear and calm when making decisions.”

Off the field Isa (below, tackling St Helens’ Mark Percival) was already at the forefront of the club’s extensive community work, often volunteering his time to local charities. Peet has brought an increased focus on that area of his team’s work, with school visits scheduled into each player’s training schedule.

Isa added: “That’s taking us out of our comfort zones.

“But at the same time it’s helping the boys learn how to deliver a session, talk to and inspire kids, and integrate with other people in a different learning capacity.

“Last season, for Wigan Warriors standards, it wasn’t the best. But going ahead with the new regime, the work’s been great.

“Goals at this club never change. It’s always to be there at the end of the year and competing for the ultimate prizes.

“As a group the main thing for us is making sure we give the best of ourselves, show that team mentality and enjoy it.”