Liam Marshall on emotional Wigan Warriors testimonial - 'Those memories you'll never forget'
Liam Marshall admits even a decade of dreaming about playing for Wigan Warriors couldn’t have prepared him for the emotion of Sunday afternoon, walking out at the Brick Community Stadium with his daughter Elsie in his arms, backed by the unwavering support of his wife Meg.
The Warriors winger marked his testimonial match in a 22-18 pre-season win over Hull FC, but the result was almost incidental as 4,500 supporters turned out to celebrate 10 professional seasons at his hometown club.
“Definitely not,” Marshall said when asked if he ever imagined reaching this milestone. “I’ve had a small little fanbase that’s followed me from being an amateur to playing at Swinton and then Wigan, and that’s my family. My wife Meg, my brothers, my dad and my mum always came to watch me.
“So to see so many people out there, my extended family up in the boxes and just so many Wigan fans coming down to watch, it wasn’t the nicest day to be sat out in the cold, but it was quite humbling. I’m very humbled, and a big thank you to all the Wigan fans.”
The most powerful moment came before kick-off, as Marshall received a standing ovation from the West Stand and a guard of honour from both teams, with Elsie, celebrating her second birthday, in his arms.
“I think that probably tops it,” he said. “It was her second birthday, so it was a giant birthday party with 5,000 people there for her! Those are memories you’ll never forget.
“There are obviously the trophies and the celebrations, but those little moments are special for us as a family. Maybe one day, when she’s a little bit older, we’ll be able to show her pictures of the day and tell her what happened.”
Marshall was quick to shine the spotlight on Meg’s role in organising his testimonial year.
“My wife Meg has been answering emails and phone calls non-stop for about a month,” he said. “I think I’d have been buggered without her. She’s been absolutely class alongside my committee.
“There have been times when we’ve been waking up at 6am, and she’s been telling me stuff we need to do for the day. She’s kept it rolling along!”
Marshall’s testimonial will continue throughout the year, with more events planned.