Wigan Warriors manager praises “selfless” veteran after Leigh Leopards victory

Willie Isa doesn’t often find the scoresheet, but the Wigan Warriors coach was happy for the veteran after he scored during their 40–12 victory against the Leigh Leopards, praising the “unselfish” work he performs every week.

Although this is Peet’s third season leading the Warriors, it was Isa’s first during the manager’s stay at the Leigh Sports Village, where the visitors played the second of eight games that evening!

The back-rower’s last try-line crossing occurred in September 2021 during a win over the Catalans Dragons. It was the last regular-season game in a campaign that would see Wigan finish fourth and be eliminated by Leeds Rhinos the following week on home turf.

Since then, a lot has happened. Peet is currently in charge, and the team has won all possible titles in his first 66 games in that role.

Isa, who turned 35 on New Year’s Day, is still a mainstay in the forward pack and, as Peet explains, keeps working hard in areas where she perhaps doesn’t receive the credit she deserves.

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Matt Peet, the manager of Wigan Warriors, praises the “unselfish” veteran Willie Isa after the Leigh Leopards’ victory.

Isa received more praise from his teammates than any other player on the score sheet during Wigan’s commanding victory in the inaugural “Battle of the Borough” in 2024, which may indicate how highly regarded he is inside the Warriors’ ranks.

“It’s very pleasing (to see him score the try) because he does so much unselfish work for us,” coach Peet remarked after the game.

“When it came time to defend, Leigh had a really strong offensive lineup with Lachlan Lam and Matt Moylan. I thought we did a great job of defending those plays, which is not an easy task.

“I believe we did that overall. It takes a lot of labor and a lot of individuals executing their jobs properly. There, Willie is vital.

“This season, he’s been playing well so far. He doesn’t play in many of the game’s highlight reel moments, but when he does, his teammates truly value it. I felt he was good last week.