Back turned prop: Wigan Warriors powerhouse Patrick Mago reveals little known fact behind ball-playing skill set
Wigan Warriors prop Patrick Mago showcased the full range of his talents in Sunday’s 26-22 Challenge Cup quarter-final win over Wakefield Trinity, revealing the ball-playing ability forged during his early years as a back!
Renowned for his explosive impact off the bench, Mago produced a moment of magic with a superb cut-out pass that saw Zach Eckersley score the match-winning try, underlining the skill set that has always been an important part of his game.
“I’ve been telling the boys, I was a halfback growing up!” Mago smiled when speaking to Wigan Today. “I was a halfback or hooker growing up, from when I was six until like Under-11s and then fullback up to Under-16s.
"I’m telling you, I used to be a back, no one believes me! I swear down. I was playing fullback in the Under-16s, and then I went to second-row, so that’s where my hands come from. Don’t doubt me, bro!”
The Samoan powerhouse, who has now made 128 appearances for Wigan – 124 from the bench – delivered a Player of the Match display as the Warriors responded to back-to-back defeats to Huddersfield Giants and St Helens.
“It’s been a tough few weeks, but it’s the Challenge Cup, and you’ve got to turn up,” he said. “It’s do or die, so we had to dig deep. We knew it was going to be a fight all the way to the 80, and we’re just glad we pulled that out and got the win.”
Wakefield pushed Wigan all the way, and Mago admitted the physical demands were greater than usual as he played more minutes than he usually does.
“It definitely felt a bit tougher for me, especially my first stint,” he said. “But I enjoy games like that, when the game is on the line. It was just one of those things, we had to dig deep as a team, and it’s whoever wanted it the most, so we fought all the way to the end and got the win.”
Reflecting on the recent defeats, Mago acknowledged the Warriors need to be bang at it in the coming weeks.
“Wakey have been playing well, and Saints obviously have as well. We haven’t been at our best, and we got shown that last week,” he said. “We’ve got to be on our A-game from now, but it’s exciting – it’s a challenge we look forward to. We’ll take the win, enjoy it, and turn up next week.”
Mago has started the season in fine form, and he is enjoying his rugby with Matt Peet’s side.
“I know what Matty (Peet) expects me to bring, whether it be energy or some momentum, to try to help the boys,” he continued. “I know the role, and I enjoy my role. I’m just trying to do the best I can each time I take to the field.”
Wigan now face a semi-final showdown with St Helens in Warrington on May 9, and Mago is relishing the opportunity.
“They’re going well considering the injuries they have – they obviously got us last week in the league," he said. “It’s going to be a tough one again, but we’ll be looking forward to the challenge.”