THORNLEY: THIRD TIME THE CHARM

RUGBY LEAGUE

IAIN THORNLEY insists he will silence the doubters who are unhappy with his arrival back at Wigan.

Warriors fans had hoped for a big name to replace England star Oliver Gildart, following his move to the NRL.

Instead, Wigan turned to 30-year-old Thornley who has spent the last three seasons at Leigh (below) – and two of those were in the Championship.

But 6ft 6in Thornley is confident he’s big enough to take the barbs on the chin and good enough to change people’s minds.

He said: “It is up to me to show why Wigan signed me and hopefully in a few weeks I can shut those people up. Hopefully fans will soon understand why I’m back and see what I can bring to the team.

“I want to bring those big carries and be a real handful near the opposition try line.

“It is up to me to prove people wrong with my performances. I will take it all in my stride.”

Thornley started as a kid at his home town club and was coached as a teenager by Matt Peet, Wigan’s new head coach.

At the age of 18, without making his debut, Thornley switched codes for spells with Sale and Leeds before returning to Wigan in 2012.

The following year he helped Wigan win both the Challenge Cup and the Grand Final.

He said: “I’m like a boomerang, joining for a third time, but it’s really good because there are still some familiar faces from my spells there before.

“Liam Farrell, John Bateman and Sam Powell were all in the team when I was last here, as was Sean O’Loughlin who is now on the coaching staff. Matty Peet was involved in the Academy and I’m really pleased he’s now got his chance to be head coach.

“A lot of eyes are on us and there is definitely a pressure to do well – but when you sign for Wigan you expect that and welcome it.”