Wigan Warriors ace Sam Walters reflects on suspension return in Wembley booking - ‘Owed it to ourselves’
Wigan Warriors forward Sam Walters admitted he felt nervous ahead of his return to action but was thrilled to help the club secure a place at Wembley with victory over rivals St Helens.
Walters returned from a three-match suspension in Saturday’s emphatic 32-0 Challenge Cup semi-final win over rivals Saints at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.
Matt Peet’s side produced an impressive display to book their place in the final later this month, returning to Wembley for the first time since 2024, when they lifted the Cup in the year they completed the Grand Slam.
“I was still a little bit nervous coming back into the team after having three weeks out,” Walters told Wigan Today.
“But I just tried to keep my fitness up with the medical staff and come back with some energy to the boys.
“I thought we were on from minute one today, so it was a good win, and I’m excited for Wembley.”
Walters revealed he and team-mate Harry Smith used the three-match suspension period to keep standards high in training while also working on personal fitness.
“Me and Harry just sort of challenged the team, not giving them their own way in training,” Walters said.
“It was almost like a mini pre-season just to reset my body and come back and hit the ground running.”
The 6ft 7in forward was named in the starting front-row alongside Luke Thompson for the derby clash and admitted he relished the intensity of the occasion.
“It was good,” he said. “It was my first time back in as a starting middle as well, but I enjoyed it.
“They are the games I want to be involved in, and I like to push myself. I like to come out on the other side and put my best foot forward for the team.”
The Warriors crossed for six tries and kept Saints scoreless despite the visitors arriving in strong form, with Walters particularly pleased by his side’s attitude and application in defence.
“I’m happier with the zero more than anything,” he said.
“We’ve been in a grey patch of form and a few people out, we’ve been struggling a bit, but I think we just owed it to ourselves today more than anyone else. It’s just nice to get a good team performance.”
Walters also highlighted the excitement building around the club with Wembley and a trip to Paris against Catalans Dragons on the horizon.
“We’ve obviously got some tough competition coming up, Wembley and our Paris trip, so there’s some exciting times ahead,” he added. “The crowd were great, and it’s always nice to get a win over Saints!”