by For a man who did everything in Rugby Union and experienced the light lights of the NFL, the shine in Christian Wades asked an eye, which applied for a new challenge with Wigan that this was an opportunity that he could not miss.
It was a few fourteen days for one of the sizes of all time. His farewell appearance for Gloucester – and perhaps overall in Rugby Union – ended with the victory against Northampton and two attempts. The second of them was a sensational long-distance finish in the dying embers of this game, which would have attracted the attention of all Wigan supporters to find out what its new obligation is capable of.
Advertising
Related: Christian Wade: “I see myself in Louis Rees-Zammit, he faces the same challenges”
The following day he was in a car in the north to start his new career as a rugby league player. The introductions that were carried out on Monday to come into his first Wigan training unit by Wednesday and asked his head coach Matt Peet whether he presented himself in a reserve match in a reserve match the following evening.
His answer? Exactly what you would expect from a player who made it a business to take risks. “Obviously,” he said with a smile. “If not now, when will it be? Let us do it.” That is why Wade played five days from a full house in Kingsholm and now played a few hundred people – to which Peet – also included in the somewhat less glamorous environment of Castleford and has completed about an hour.
A super -league debut may be a while, with Wade initiating a second reserves -outing this weekend before Wigan re -evaluates the situation. The 34-year-old understands that it is time to be classified as referring. Only a few players have successfully made the transition from Union to League in recent years.
Advertising
“There were many league who went to the Union and have become good defense coaches, which helps,” he says. “But the attack side of it … playing this game last week.
The transition was already held last week before this hastily arranged debut. Wade revealed that he had been watching clips from Wigan for weeks to prepare as well as possible. But he admits that nothing becomes better for his new challenge than playing games and being pushed into the middle of her.
“It was a humiliating experience in Castleford,” he says. “But it was exciting to get out of and play because the season in the league is good.
The league was previously on Wades Radar. Before he tried to start an NFL life in 2019, he was organized by Toronto Wolfpack, a step that did not come about. After crossing so many Wigan greats throughout his career and had held the talks about a new contract with Gloucester when the warriors called, there would always be one answer.
Advertising
“You are probably one of the biggest brands in both rugby code, right?” He says. “It’s Wigan. You don’t say Wigan no. You are the first league team that everyone knows. Jason Robinson was my idol. I worked with Shaun Edwards. Then throw boys like Martin Offiah next season.
But what Wade really seems to excite is that even now that retirement comes a closer look, he has the chance to start again and influence himself in a new environment, and maybe underlined why he wanted to try out new things before. In fact, Wigan insider should already be impressed by Wades attitude.
“A move like this means that they cannot be complacent because they have to come in and try to earn the respect of a completely new group of people,” says Wade. “I try to learn this game and I don’t want to be the guy who lets the team down and I have to define the standard.
“It is exciting. It is not that I was bored with what happened before. I will always give 110%. But I love new challenges and I am better for the experiences I have had beforehand. This prepared me everything for this great opportunity.”
Advertising
In view of Wades roller coaster career, the door can never be completely closed when returning to Union. But if this is the end, does he go with any regret? “Absolutely not. It was not uncomplicated; people will always see the success, but they don’t know what happens behind closed doors.
“I am proud of my career. I opened the doors to make sure that I use every opportunity. It will be no different here. The story is still written.”
Wades short-term deal only lasts until the end of the Super League season in October. What also happens? “Let’s see how it works,” he emphasizes.
“It is open. I have not planned to make six months here, then go back to Union. In a similar way, I did not think that I would do this, sign an extension or go to another Super League team. Just let us enjoy the journey.”
