Latest news with #LiamMarshall
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wigan thump Catalans to keep pace with leaders
Betfred Super League Catalans (0) 0 Wigan (20) 48 Tries: Field, Walters, Marshall 2, Leeming, Nsemba, French, Smith Goals: Keighran 8 Wigan Warriors closed within two points of Super League leaders Hull KR as they eased past Catalans Dragons with a clinical, if not dazzling, display in Perpignan. In Joel Tomkins' first game as interim head coach, Les Dracs had plenty of the ball but trailed 20-0 at the break after scores from Jai Field, Sam Walters and Liam Marshall. Tries from Kruise Leeming, Junior Nsemba and a second for Marshall put the error-prone Warriors 36 points clear going into the last quarter. And late scores from Bevan French and Harry Smith piled on the misery for a weary Catalans side who were shut out for a second successive match. More to follow. Catalans: Aispuro-Bichet; Martin, Laguerre, Smith, Yaha; Keary, Fages; Satae, Da Costa, Navarette, Sims, Whitehead, Partington. Interchanges: Rouge, Seguier, Dezaria, Maria. Wigan: Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Byrne, O'Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Farrell, Ellis. Interchanges: Havard, Mago, Leeming, Walters. Referee: Jack Smith.
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wigan thump Catalans to keep pace with leaders
Betfred Super LeagueCatalans (0) 0Wigan (20) 48Tries: Field, Walters, Marshall 2, Leeming, Nsemba, French, Smith Goals: Keighran 8 Wigan Warriors closed within two points of Super League leaders Hull KR as they eased past Catalans Dragons with a clinical, if not dazzling, display in Joel Tomkins' first game as interim head coach, Les Dracs had plenty of the ball but trailed 20-0 at the break after scores from Jai Field, Sam Walters and Liam from Kruise Leeming, Junior Nsemba and a second for Marshall put the error-prone Warriors 36 points clear going into the last late scores from Bevan French and Harry Smith piled on the misery for a weary Catalans side who were shut out for a second successive to follow. Catalans: Aispuro-Bichet; Martin, Laguerre, Smith, Yaha; Keary, Fages; Satae, Da Costa, Navarette, Sims, Whitehead, Partington. Interchanges: Rouge, Seguier, Dezaria, Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Byrne, O'Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Farrell, Havard, Mago, Leeming, Jack Smith.
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Powerful mental health campaign spearheaded by rugby legends hits home
Moving video 'We're all Wigan. We're all Warriors' marks the start of Mental Health Awareness week. RUGBY legends have bravely opened up about their own 'greatest pain' as they try and encourage other men to speak up. The top flight players from Wigan Warriors have talked about the domestic abuse they saw as a child, the racism they suffered and how they faced the heartbreak of bereavement. They have released a moving video - called 'We're all Wigan. We're all Warriors' - to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness week. The Rugby League World Champions said 'some feelings are too heavy to carry in silence…' In the powerful video, winger Liam Marshall, 28, talks about the bereavement he felt after losing his mother Debbie just days after his daughter Elsie was born. 'It was the greatest pain and sadness that I have ever felt. In the space of three days we had experienced the highest high and the lowest low,' he said. 'The day my daughter was born was the happiest and most proud I have felt in my life. Less than 48 hours later, my mother sadly passed away after an 18-month battle with cancer. I had a reason to carry on when it could have been so easy to stop. ' Teammate Junior Nsemba, aged 20, spoke about childhood racist abuse he had suffered: 'I was so young, feeling so isolated and so confused as to why they were excluding me and treating me differently. Singled out simply because of the colour of my skin.' But the towering prop, who was born in Wigan after his parents emigrated from Cameroon, added: 'I have always been proud of who I am and where I came from, nothing anyone can say can change that.' The player's mum runs an orphanage in Cameroon's capital city of Yaounde and he has praised his teammates for helping 'massively'. Prop forward, Tyler Dupree, 25, from Halifax told of the domestic violence he saw as a boy: 'I was a young boy, just trying to comprehend what was happening. I knew it was wrong. I knew he was wrong. I knew this wasn't how you treat a woman. And Brad O'Neil, 22, from Leigh, who is a hooker for his team, told about the stress and nerves he had about becoming a father so young four years ago. 'Am I ready for this? How am I going to provide? I couldn't explain how I was feeling in that moment, apprehensive and nervous. Worried that I wouldn't be enough. I was 18-years-old and I was going to be a father. " But he added: I wouldn't change nothing for the world. I am a provider The club said the video was a direct response to rising rates of male loneliness in and around Wigan. According to a Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) think tank, 15% of men have no close friends and no one to confide in, with only 1-in-5 men receiving emotional support from a friend per week, compared to 40% of women. Suicide being the biggest cause of death among young men.'We're all Wigan. We're all Warriors.' reinforces that Wigan Warriors are your teammates on-and-off the pitch, with a shared commitment to support the growth and development of the next generation of men. Professor Chris Brookes, Chairman: 'Wigan Warriors is deeply embedded in our community with our players seen as positive role models. 'I know from my many years working in our NHS how much men bottle up their feelings. 'These authentic accounts from our players will therefore be hugely impactful in breaking the stigmas which keep so many men from opening up on their true emotions. 'Rugby League has highly positive values, attitudes and behaviours with the sport such a powerful vehicle for kick starting conversations about mental health. ' I am so proud that our Club is leading the way in making a difference and providing a pathway to improve lives, particularly mental health and wellbeing.'
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Champions Wigan the hunted as Super League returns
It is testament to the way in which Wigan Warriors gathered up all four trophies in 2024 that Super League feels in a good place on the back of it. If the sport of rugby league in the northern hemisphere is as good as its elite clubs, then it is certainly on an upward curve. Wigan, of course, were the standard bearers and set the bar so high that not even three-times NRL champions Penrith could match it in the World Club Challenge. In securing that competition's trophy, and swiftly adding to it the Challenge Cup, League Leaders' Shield and the Super League title itself, Wigan even earned recognition as the BBC's Sports Personality Team of the Year. Whether it was the mesmerising skill of Bevan French, the aerodynamic finishing of Liam Marshall, or Junior Nsemba just running amok, Wigan were a highlights reel of success, led by their articulate and humble coach Matt Peet. Not much has changed at the Brick Community Stadium this off-season, as the team has been allowed to mature and develop. They will know that 11 other clubs are out to topple them, but there is a quiet confidence about this band of winners who are keen to match the achievements of their 1980s counterparts. As good as Wigan were, there were glimpses of the potential of their rivals to catch them in 2024, and the hunger will be prevalent, no doubt. Take Hull KR, for instance. Last year's beaten Grand Finalists left with a metaphorically bloodied nose, but they are back in 2025 with a harder edge. The signings of fearsome prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, spiky hooker Micky McIlorum, and goalkicking-machine Rhyse Martin offer experience, steel and a winning mentality. Sam Burgess enjoyed a superb first season as Warrington Wolves head coach, building a togetherness and team culture which turned frowns into smiles around the Halliwell Jones. They failed to deliver on the big stage when they lost the Challenge Cup final, and were squeezed out of the play-offs after a hard-fought tussle with Hull KR, but another season stronger and wiser should see them bounce back. Leeds Rhinos have been put under the pump by Brad Arthur, and by the evidence of prop Mikolaj Oledzki, it looks like the hard graft has made them sharp and lean. St Helens and Catalans Dragons will be under pressure to perform after mixed 2024 seasons, and both have recruited extensively in a bid to freshen things up. John Cartwright will lead the new era at Hull FC, where a glut of new players and the investment of new owners offers their long-suffering fans a promise of brighter times. Leigh Leopards and newly taken-over Salford Red Devils, who have both punched above their weight in recent seasons, will again be in the mix to challenge for the play-offs at least, while Wakefield Trinity's return to the top flight will be an interesting one to monitor. Huddersfield Giants have been wracked by injuries, which has given head coach Luke Robinson a few conundrums to consider as they head into the season. Completing the line-up are Castleford Tigers, whose new coach Danny McGuire was made fully aware of the task ahead for his side after their Challenge Cup exit against second-tier Bradford Bulls on Sunday. Domestic rugby league in the northern hemisphere is ready to go stateside in round three, when Warrington and Wigan take their match to Las Vegas as part of the Australian NRL's bid for the American market on 1 March. Officials from the elite competition were impressed by the British audience that made the trip for the inaugural event in 2024, and once Wigan chief executive Kris Radlinski pitched the concept of Super League involvement, the decision was made to partner up. England Women will also feature in the showpiece, taking on Australia's world champion Jillaroos at the Allegiant Stadium. Other highlights throughout the year include the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, 7 June, the Magic Weekend's return to Newcastle United's St James' Park in May, and the Grand Final at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, on Saturday, 11 October. It has not been signed off yet, but there will also hopefully be the Ashes Test series with Australia, who are expected on these shores in the autumn. The standard of recruitment throughout Super League has been impressive once again, and will add to the pantheon of talents to watch this coming campaign. In terms of stardom, Hull KR's capture of Waerea-Hargreaves is a genuine box-office signing. Even at 36 years of age, the powerhouse prop has an aura and a physicality that lays down the gauntlet for the rest of the league's forwards. Leigh's acquisition of David Armstrong feels like a potential 'signing of the season' contender, as the athletic 23-year-old full-back possesses rapid pace and no end of skill. Newcastle Knights wanted to keep him, but with Kalyn Ponga barring his path to the first-team, it was a case of letting him go. Tristan Sailor and Kyle Feldt bring serious NRL pedigree to St Helens, while the appointment of the much-admired former half-back Lee Briers on the coaching staff is another excellent coup. Catalans have brought in half-back Luke Keary, a three-time NRL title winner, among others to help steer them back to success after falling away from the top six last season. Can Brad Arthur get the right messages into Jake Connor following his arrival at Leeds? Some of the preseason evidence is the former England international is looking as sharp as he has done for some time. Tom Johnstone will be back in Wakefield colours in 2025, and while they are not new signings, the likes of Oli Pratt, Ky Rodwell and Caleb Uele are all untested at Super League level but have potential. Finally, a Burgess brother will again be running around in Super League after Tom Burgess opted for Huddersfield after ending his and the family's long association with South Sydney Rabbitohs. This will be the second year of the three-year deal to show selected Super League matches live on the BBC. St Helens versus Salford on Saturday, 15 February will be the first of 10 games shown on network television, with a further five on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport app. The BBC will also continue its Challenge Cup coverage, with games shown across platforms all the way from round one to the final at Wembley. Network television joins at the quarter-final stage. There is extensive network radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 5 Sports Extra, with four live games from across the opening weekend to kick-off the season, while the BBC's local radio stations will cover the game extensively. Highlights of every Super League game will be available on the BBC Sport website and app, as will match reports, stories and features throughout the season.
BBC News
13-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Champions Wigan the hunted as Super League returns
It is testament to the way in which Wigan Warriors gathered up all four trophies in 2024 that Super League feels in a good place on the back of the sport of rugby league in the northern hemisphere is as good as its elite clubs, then it is certainly on an upward of course, were the standard bearers and set the bar so high that not even three-times NRL champions Penrith could match it in the World Club securing that competition's trophy, and swiftly adding to it the Challenge Cup, League Leaders' Shield and the Super League title itself, Wigan even earned recognition as the BBC's Sports Personality Team of the it was the mesmerising skill of Bevan French, the aerodynamic finishing of Liam Marshall, or Junior Nsemba just running amok, Wigan were a highlights reel of success, led by their articulate and humble coach Matt much has changed at the Brick Community Stadium this off-season, as the team has been allowed to mature and will know that 11 other clubs are out to topple them, but there is a quiet confidence about this band of winners who are keen to match the achievements of their 1980s counterparts. Who will shine from the chasing pack? As good as Wigan were, there were glimpses of the potential of their rivals to catch them in 2024, and the hunger will be prevalent, no Hull KR, for instance. Last year's beaten Grand Finalists left with a metaphorically bloodied nose, but they are back in 2025 with a harder signings of fearsome prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, spiky hooker Micky McIlorum, and goalkicking-machine Rhyse Martin offer experience, steel and a winning Burgess enjoyed a superb first season as Warrington Wolves head coach, building a togetherness and team culture which turned frowns into smiles around the Halliwell failed to deliver on the big stage when they lost the Challenge Cup final, and were squeezed out of the play-offs after a hard-fought tussle with Hull KR, but another season stronger and wiser should see them bounce Rhinos have been put under the pump by Brad Arthur, and by the evidence of prop Mikolaj Oledzki, it looks like the hard graft has made them sharp and Helens and Catalans Dragons will be under pressure to perform after mixed 2024 seasons, and both have recruited extensively in a bid to freshen things up. John Cartwright will lead the new era at Hull FC, where a glut of new players and the investment of new owners offers their long-suffering fans a promise of brighter Leopards and newly taken-over Salford Red Devils, who have both punched above their weight in recent seasons, will again be in the mix to challenge for the play-offs at least, while Wakefield Trinity's return to the top flight will be an interesting one to Giants have been wracked by injuries, which has given head coach Luke Robinson a few conundrums to consider as they head into the the line-up are Castleford Tigers, whose new coach Danny McGuire was made fully aware of the task ahead for his side after their Challenge Cup exit against second-tier Bradford Bulls on Sunday. Eyeballs on the sport from around the world Domestic rugby league in the northern hemisphere is ready to go stateside in round three, when Warrington and Wigan take their match to Las Vegas as part of the Australian NRL's bid for the American market on 1 from the elite competition were impressed by the British audience that made the trip for the inaugural event in 2024, and once Wigan chief executive Kris Radlinski pitched the concept of Super League involvement, the decision was made to partner Women will also feature in the showpiece, taking on Australia's world champion Jillaroos at the Allegiant highlights throughout the year include the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, 7 June, the Magic Weekend's return to Newcastle United's St James' Park in May, and the Grand Final at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, on Saturday, 11 has not been signed off yet, but there will also hopefully be the Ashes Test series with Australia, who are expected on these shores in the autumn. Who to look out for in 2025? The standard of recruitment throughout Super League has been impressive once again, and will add to the pantheon of talents to watch this coming terms of stardom, Hull KR's capture of Waerea-Hargreaves is a genuine box-office signing. Even at 36 years of age, the powerhouse prop has an aura and a physicality that lays down the gauntlet for the rest of the league's acquisition of David Armstrong feels like a potential 'signing of the season' contender, as the athletic 23-year-old full-back possesses rapid pace and no end of Knights wanted to keep him, but with Kalyn Ponga barring his path to the first-team, it was a case of letting him Sailor and Kyle Feldt bring serious NRL pedigree to St Helens, while the appointment of the much-admired former half-back Lee Briers on the coaching staff is another excellent have brought in half-back Luke Keary, a three-time NRL title winner, among others to help steer them back to success after falling away from the top six last Brad Arthur get the right messages into Jake Connor following his arrival at Leeds? Some of the preseason evidence is the former England international is looking as sharp as he has done for some Johnstone will be back in Wakefield colours in 2025, and while they are not new signings, the likes of Oli Pratt, Ky Rodwell and Caleb Uele are all untested at Super League level but have a Burgess brother will again be running around in Super League after Tom Burgess opted for Huddersfield after ending his and the family's long association with South Sydney Rabbitohs. How will rugby league be covered on the BBC? This will be the second year of the three-year deal to show selected Super League matches live on the Helens versus Salford on Saturday, 15 February will be the first of 10 games shown on network television, with a further five on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport BBC will also continue its Challenge Cup coverage, with games shown across platforms all the way from round one to the final at Wembley. Network television joins at the quarter-final is extensive network radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 5 Sports Extra, with four live games from across the opening weekend to kick-off the season, while the BBC's local radio stations will cover the game of every Super League game will be available on the BBC Sport website and app, as will match reports, stories and features throughout the season.
