Why Jake Bibby is so grateful to be back in training with Wigan Warriors

Jake Bibby returned to pre-season training this week

The utility-back, who scored Wigan's only try in last November's Grand Final, returned to Robin Park this week.

And while the drills have been tough, he says you may struggle to find a player whinging about the demands of training when so many others would love to be carrying out their work or going to the gym.

Bibby said: "I was really glad to get back in because I'm one of those, if I don't have a routine and keep myself occupied I go stir crazy.

"I think everyone appreciates being back.

"I've got a good mate who lost his job in the first lockdown, he's on furlough now with this lockdown, and it's tough - so I don't take for granted the fact we can back in, use a gym, do our job. I'm grateful."

The players are following strict Covid-19 protocols which governed their training sessions and matches when the season resumed last year after a five month break.

Footballers have been under the spotlight recently for celebrating goals when they've been told to by their governing bodies to social-distance where possible.

Bibby has some sympathy with the players, saying: "We had it last year when we were getting fined for celebrating.

"It's tough when you have all that emotion, you can spend a game smashing into players and wrestling with them but you can't give a team-mate a hug for scoring a try.

"I get where they are coming from but they also have to understand players are human and there's a lot of emotion - it's hard."

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