Latest news with #WiganWarriors'
North Wales Chronicle
5 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Rugby league: Offiah backs Nsemba to be next superstar
The 20-year-old was selected in Shaun Wane's preparation squad for the ABK Beer Ashes Series against Australia, which begins in October, having made his England debut last November against Samoa. The second row's incredible rise came during Wigan Warriors' historic 2024 campaign in which they won the Betfred Super League Grand Final, League Leaders' Shield, Challenge Cup and the World Club Challenge. Nsemba, who can also play prop, was recognised for his stellar contributions last term by winning the Super League Young Player of the Year award. He was also named in the Super League Dream Team and given a new six-year contract by Wigan. 🤩 Just 100 days to go! 👀 We're getting even closer to the opening test of the @ABKBeer Rugby League Ashes at @WembleyStadium... 🏴 Get your tickets and support #EnglandRL now: Former England and Great Britain international Offiah, who spent three trophy-laden years with Wigan between 1992 and 1995, is backing two-time Super League winner Nsemba to become a 'household name'. 'My expectations are high for Junior,' he said. 'He burst onto the scene during Wigan's perfect season. 'He played in big games, and he's been part of a side that's beaten Australian teams such as Penrith in the World Club Challenge. 'He knows what to expect. There is going to be a lot of expectation on Junior and his brand is rising. 'For me, he's the next big superstar of the English game. 'He is a Wigan player and that comes with a lot of pressure as well, because people are looking at him and saying he's the next Ellery Hanley. 'He's the next guy who, if England win this Ashes series, could go onto become a household name.' Beginning in Clapham - home of one of London's largest populations of expat Aussies - and finishing at the iconic Wembley Stadium, the tour saw the Ashes Trophy travel through the capital's streets aboard a classic London bus, giving fans and passers-by a glimpse of the 97-year-old trophy as it approached the Wembley arch. Nsemba made his domestic debut in 2022 aged 18 and has produced another string of dynamic and eye-catching performances during the 2025 season, scoring six tries in 18 appearances, as Wigan sit second in the table. Offiah knows all about the pressures the come with rising to the top of the sport but is steadfast in his belief Nsemba can handle what is thrown at him. 'When you push people into that position, it's tough because it comes with a certain level of expectation,' he continued. 'The Aussies are going to be aware of him; he's going to be a targeted man. 'Can he rise to that challenge? Can he be that guy? He can, and I believe Junior's got everything to handle it.' Offiah was speaking during a launch event in London to mark 100 days to go until the 2025 Ashes Series begins. The three-Test contest will see England face Australia on home soil for the first time since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final, and will also be the first Ashes Series since 2003, when the Kangaroos last toured the UK under the Great Britain banner. The series kicks off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25th October, before heading to Liverpool a week later on Saturday 1st November where a sold-out Bramley-Moore Dock will take centre stage. Leeds Rhinos' Headingley Stadium is the venue for the third and final Test, also a sellout, on Saturday 8th November. Over 60,000 tickets were sold on the first day of the priority sales window, which was a record-breaking figure for any Rugby League series launch. 'I'm so happy to see the Ashes Series return to the Rugby League calendar after such a long time,' Offiah added. 'There is a rich history between these two great teams, and the upcoming Test Matches give this generation of athletes a chance to write their own chapter in the story of this famous rivalry.' Marking the milestone with a '100 days to go' London Trophy Tour were Rugby League legend Martin Offiah MBE, current England captain George Williams, star player Jack Welsby, and Aussie comedian and Rugby Football League President, Adam Hills MBE.
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Rugby league: Offiah backs Nsemba to be next superstar
The 20-year-old was selected in Shaun Wane's preparation squad for the ABK Beer Ashes Series against Australia, which begins in October, having made his England debut last November against Samoa. The second row's incredible rise came during Wigan Warriors' historic 2024 campaign in which they won the Betfred Super League Grand Final, League Leaders' Shield, Challenge Cup and the World Club Challenge. Nsemba, who can also play prop, was recognised for his stellar contributions last term by winning the Super League Young Player of the Year award. He was also named in the Super League Dream Team and given a new six-year contract by Wigan. 🤩 Just 100 days to go! 👀 We're getting even closer to the opening test of the @ABKBeer Rugby League Ashes at @WembleyStadium... 🏴 Get your tickets and support #EnglandRL now: — England Rugby League (@England_RL) July 17, 2025 Former England and Great Britain international Offiah, who spent three trophy-laden years with Wigan between 1992 and 1995, is backing two-time Super League winner Nsemba to become a 'household name'. 'My expectations are high for Junior,' he said. 'He burst onto the scene during Wigan's perfect season. 'He played in big games, and he's been part of a side that's beaten Australian teams such as Penrith in the World Club Challenge. 'He knows what to expect. There is going to be a lot of expectation on Junior and his brand is rising. 'For me, he's the next big superstar of the English game. 'He is a Wigan player and that comes with a lot of pressure as well, because people are looking at him and saying he's the next Ellery Hanley. 'He's the next guy who, if England win this Ashes series, could go onto become a household name.' Beginning in Clapham - home of one of London's largest populations of expat Aussies - and finishing at the iconic Wembley Stadium, the tour saw the Ashes Trophy travel through the capital's streets aboard a classic London bus, giving fans and passers-by a glimpse of the 97-year-old trophy as it approached the Wembley arch. Nsemba made his domestic debut in 2022 aged 18 and has produced another string of dynamic and eye-catching performances during the 2025 season, scoring six tries in 18 appearances, as Wigan sit second in the table. Offiah knows all about the pressures the come with rising to the top of the sport but is steadfast in his belief Nsemba can handle what is thrown at him. 'When you push people into that position, it's tough because it comes with a certain level of expectation,' he continued. 'The Aussies are going to be aware of him; he's going to be a targeted man. 'Can he rise to that challenge? Can he be that guy? He can, and I believe Junior's got everything to handle it.' Offiah was speaking during a launch event in London to mark 100 days to go until the 2025 Ashes Series begins. The three-Test contest will see England face Australia on home soil for the first time since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final, and will also be the first Ashes Series since 2003, when the Kangaroos last toured the UK under the Great Britain banner. The series kicks off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25th October, before heading to Liverpool a week later on Saturday 1st November where a sold-out Bramley-Moore Dock will take centre stage. Leeds Rhinos' Headingley Stadium is the venue for the third and final Test, also a sellout, on Saturday 8th November. Over 60,000 tickets were sold on the first day of the priority sales window, which was a record-breaking figure for any Rugby League series launch. 'I'm so happy to see the Ashes Series return to the Rugby League calendar after such a long time,' Offiah added. 'There is a rich history between these two great teams, and the upcoming Test Matches give this generation of athletes a chance to write their own chapter in the story of this famous rivalry.' Marking the milestone with a '100 days to go' London Trophy Tour were Rugby League legend Martin Offiah MBE, current England captain George Williams, star player Jack Welsby, and Aussie comedian and Rugby Football League President, Adam Hills MBE.
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Rugby league: Offiah backs Nsemba to be next superstar
The 20-year-old was selected in Shaun Wane's preparation squad for the ABK Beer Ashes Series against Australia, which begins in October, having made his England debut last November against Samoa. The second row's incredible rise came during Wigan Warriors' historic 2024 campaign in which they won the Betfred Super League Grand Final, League Leaders' Shield, Challenge Cup and the World Club Challenge. Nsemba, who can also play prop, was recognised for his stellar contributions last term by winning the Super League Young Player of the Year award. He was also named in the Super League Dream Team and given a new six-year contract by Wigan. 🤩 Just 100 days to go! 👀 We're getting even closer to the opening test of the @ABKBeer Rugby League Ashes at @WembleyStadium... 🏴 Get your tickets and support #EnglandRL now: — England Rugby League (@England_RL) July 17, 2025 Former England and Great Britain international Offiah, who spent three trophy-laden years with Wigan between 1992 and 1995, is backing two-time Super League winner Nsemba to become a 'household name'. 'My expectations are high for Junior,' he said. 'He burst onto the scene during Wigan's perfect season. 'He played in big games, and he's been part of a side that's beaten Australian teams such as Penrith in the World Club Challenge. 'He knows what to expect. There is going to be a lot of expectation on Junior and his brand is rising. 'For me, he's the next big superstar of the English game. 'He is a Wigan player and that comes with a lot of pressure as well, because people are looking at him and saying he's the next Ellery Hanley. 'He's the next guy who, if England win this Ashes series, could go onto become a household name.' Beginning in Clapham - home of one of London's largest populations of expat Aussies - and finishing at the iconic Wembley Stadium, the tour saw the Ashes Trophy travel through the capital's streets aboard a classic London bus, giving fans and passers-by a glimpse of the 97-year-old trophy as it approached the Wembley arch. Nsemba made his domestic debut in 2022 aged 18 and has produced another string of dynamic and eye-catching performances during the 2025 season, scoring six tries in 18 appearances, as Wigan sit second in the table. Offiah knows all about the pressures the come with rising to the top of the sport but is steadfast in his belief Nsemba can handle what is thrown at him. 'When you push people into that position, it's tough because it comes with a certain level of expectation,' he continued. 'The Aussies are going to be aware of him; he's going to be a targeted man. 'Can he rise to that challenge? Can he be that guy? He can, and I believe Junior's got everything to handle it.' Offiah was speaking during a launch event in London to mark 100 days to go until the 2025 Ashes Series begins. The three-Test contest will see England face Australia on home soil for the first time since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final, and will also be the first Ashes Series since 2003, when the Kangaroos last toured the UK under the Great Britain banner. The series kicks off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25th October, before heading to Liverpool a week later on Saturday 1st November where a sold-out Bramley-Moore Dock will take centre stage. Leeds Rhinos' Headingley Stadium is the venue for the third and final Test, also a sellout, on Saturday 8th November. Over 60,000 tickets were sold on the first day of the priority sales window, which was a record-breaking figure for any Rugby League series launch. 'I'm so happy to see the Ashes Series return to the Rugby League calendar after such a long time,' Offiah added. 'There is a rich history between these two great teams, and the upcoming Test Matches give this generation of athletes a chance to write their own chapter in the story of this famous rivalry.' Marking the milestone with a '100 days to go' London Trophy Tour were Rugby League legend Martin Offiah MBE, current England captain George Williams, star player Jack Welsby, and Aussie comedian and Rugby Football League President, Adam Hills MBE.
The Independent
02-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
England's women conceded 17 tries in Australia defeat
England's women were outclassed and outpowered as they conceded 17 tries in a 90-4 loss to Australia in Las Vegas. Full-back Tamika Upton scored five tries in the first meeting between the sides since 2017, with Julie Robinson and Jess Sergis grabbing hat-tricks as the Jilleroos dominated. Robinson set the ball rolling inside five minutes, Tiana Penitani and Upton crossing to make it 14-0 inside the opening 15 minutes. England did have their share of possession in the opening half-hour, but could find no way through the Australian defence – their opponents, by contrast, making the most of almost every opportunity. Upton completed her hat-trick inside 30 minutes, Shannon Moto, Isabelle Kelly and Robinson all crossing before the break, three Tarryn Aiken conversions making the interval score 38-0. The second half started with a sickening collision between England's Vicky Whitehead and Sarah Togatuki which saw both players leave the field. Whitehead headed to hospital for checks after lengthy treatment. If anything, the second period was even more one-sided. Kelly added her second before Upton claimed two more and Robinson completed her hat-trick. Jess Sergis, who had one score ruled out by the video referee, claimed her three tries in 14 minutes after coming off the bench, with Jakiya Whitfield and Keilee Joseph also touching down. Aiken added eight more conversions to briefly threaten three figures. But England rallied to have the last word, Georgia Roche stretching out in the tackle to reach the line in the final play of the game. The match was played as part of a day of rugby league at Allegiant Stadium alongside Wigan Warriors' 48-24 win over Warrington Wolves in the Super League and the first two matches of Australia's NRL season.
