Why Winning Super League 2020 would be even more special

Key Wigan players are adamant there will be no asterisk next to the name of the 2020 champions in the history books – insisting winning this Super League would mean even more than any other year.
Morgan Smithies admits this is a testing timeMorgan Smithies admits this is a testing time
Morgan Smithies admits this is a testing time

While the uncertain shape of this campaign will be unique, Tony Clubb reckons the circumstances would only heighten the achievement of winning the title.

“I think it would mean more than normal,” said Clubb, a Grand Final winner with Wigan in 2018.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“From what we’ve been told it may go on to November, there may be midweek matches – everyone will be out of their comfort zone.

“I think with everything that’s gone on and all the disruption, it’d make it feel even more special.”

Young backrower Morgan Smithies agreed, saying this period during lockdown is testing all players’ self-discipline and attitude.

“Win this year, I think it’d be even more special,” he said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Because with everything that has happened with coronavirus, it means the group that wins has probably gone the extra mile while training on their own.

“As players we’ve got to keep on top of it and make sure we come back in the best shape possible.

“Even if the season is shortened, I think it’ll mean more.”

And prop Ollie Partington added: “It would feel different to a normal year, but nobody would be any less motivated.

“Everyone would still want to win it and, for me personally, I’ve not won anything.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“So however it’s done, I really want to be successful this year.”

A message from the Editorial Director, Gillian Parkinson:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy when you pop out for your essential shop or subscribing for delivery.

Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: "Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role."

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: You can subscribe for delivery by contacting us at [email protected] or calling us on 0330 4033004 for details of a participating newsagent near you.