Wigan Warriors’ Willie Isa discusses what rugby league needs to do to continue its growth

Willie Isa states rugby league needs to do a lot more to showcase itself and believes it doesn’t play to its biggest strength.
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The Wigan Warriors second-rower wants the sport to publicise the people involved on a bigger scale, in order to present the personalities of those out on the field.

Isa is positive about the future of the game, but would like to see a number of things done slightly differently.

“We need to showcase what we’ve got,” he said.

Willie IsaWillie Isa
Willie Isa

People say it’s a northern game, but it’s more than that.

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“You can see the effects of the strong derby games, and I’m someone who thinks teams should just play twice a year.

“It’s about the meaning of it, and if you do it too often it’s natural that it loses that.

“I’m for whatever direction the game wants to go in- we’ve got to enjoy the process.

“I can’t talk on behalf of all the players, but most of us think we’ve got a great product.

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“We’ve got athletes who can showcase and advertise our game.

“We’ve also got characters who come from the working class towns that we are based in.

“There’s a deeper story in each player and I think they need to be told.

“There are people behind each person that drive them to be rugby league players in England.

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“We need to grab hold of that and put it in front of people to see what our game is really about.

“It represents fair and honest people.

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“We need a strong leader to take it forward.

“As players I wish we had an independent union so we can have a say.”

Rugby league is currently preparing to undergo a period of change under the guidance of IMG.

Earlier this year, the Rugby League Council voted in favour of club grading.

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The sport’s decision-making body, which comprises representatives from all three professional competitions and the community game, backed the first recommendation from their strategic partner.

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