Wigan Warriors turn to meditation ahead of historic clash

Wigan are hoping a calming session of meditation at a Buddhist Temple will help them prepare for the ferocity of Saturday's historic Super League clash with Hull FC in New South Wales.

Both English clubs have arrived in Wollongong to prepare to play the first Super League match to be staged outside Europe and the Warriors have gone to unusual extremes to get their minds and bodies in shape.

“It’s been a good trip so far, we went to a Buddhist Temple today and did some meditation,” revealed Wigan forward Tony Clubb. “It was really nice there.

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“The woman who took us was fairly strict and, if your posture wasn’t right, she had a big wooden stick!

Players meditated on the trip. Pictures courtesy Wigan WarriorsPlayers meditated on the trip. Pictures courtesy Wigan Warriors
Players meditated on the trip. Pictures courtesy Wigan Warriors

“No-one got whacked but she took a liking to George (Williams). It was an experience but a good one.”

The visit, which was combined with the Warriors’ first full training session in which ex-coach Michael Maguire watched over, was part of a series of experiences which Clubb believes will particularly help the club’s youngsters to develop their life skills.

“Some of these young kids that have come over have never left Wigan, let alone travelled halfway across the world, so it’s a massive learning curve for them,” said the former London Broncos and England player.

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“It’s going to put them in good stead, coming out of their comfort zone of turning up at Orrell every week and playing at the DW.

Players meditated on the trip. Pictures courtesy Wigan WarriorsPlayers meditated on the trip. Pictures courtesy Wigan Warriors
Players meditated on the trip. Pictures courtesy Wigan Warriors

“It’s a good life experience coming out to a beautiful part of the world.”

Wigan, who began the season with a 40-12 win over Salford last Friday, left England the following day and Clubb says a lot of the players are still feeling the effects of the long trip.

“The jet lag is killing me,” he added. “I go to bed at 10 and still get up at four o’clock in the morning and I’m not the only one. It’s getting better, though, and I think another day or two and hopefully we’ll be over it.”

Both Wigan and Hull are staying on in New South Wales to play trial matches against South Sydney and St George Illawarra respectively at ANZ Stadium on Saturday week.