Junior Nsemba’s stellar Wigan Warriors form explained with key factor identified

Matt Peet believes Junior Nsemba is reaping the rewards his performances deserve, with the Wigan Warriors powerhouse enjoying a sensational start to the 2026 season.

The 21-year-old has been one of Super League’s premier back-rowers this year, producing a string of blockbusting displays as Wigan continue to challenge on multiple fronts.

Nsemba emerged as a first-team regular in 2024 and earned international recognition with England later that year. While his performances remained to a good standard in 2025, Peet feels changes to the way rucks are being officiated this season have allowed the powerful forward to have an even greater impact on games.

“I think a massive one is the way the rucks are being policed,” Peet said.

“There were times last year when I thought Junior was smashing the ruck to pieces, and he was still getting slow play-the-balls, and likewise for other people in the competition, so I do think people are getting a bit more of what they deserve out of the play-the-balls.

“He had a good pre-season, but he did a lot of good things last year - I just think he is probably just getting the rewards a little bit more.”

Nsemba’s form has not gone unnoticed on the international stage either.

After Wigan had just three players selected for England’s Ashes squad last autumn, eight Warriors have been named in Brian McDermott’s extended England performance squad ahead of this year’s Rugby League World Cup.

Nsemba is among those included, alongside Ethan Havard, Luke Thompson, Sam Walters, Brad O’Neill, Harry Smith, Jake Wardle and Zach Eckersley.

Peet admits he would be delighted to see several of his players make the final squad for the tournament in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea later this year, although he is keen to leave those decisions to the national team staff.

“I hope so,” he said when asked if he was hoping for more Wigan representation at the World Cup.

“I never get involved in pushing people or recommending people, or have an opinion, because I feel like it’s a tough job for whoever is in that role and every coach, every set of fans, will have a soft spot for their own players which is only right.

“So if Junior or anybody else gets on that plane, there’ll be no one prouder than me, they’ll deserve it and they’ll come back better players, but hopefully there is a really intense competition for all those places because that will mean the English game is in a good place.”

Nsemba is not the only Wigan player who is bang in form, with O’Neill and Thompson also enjoying excellent campaigns after narrowly missing out on Ashes selection last year.

However, Peet does not believe those omissions have been the driving force behind their form. Instead, he feels a full off-season and pre-season has played a major role in helping his players hit the ground running in 2026.

“I’m not sure how much of it is emotional fuel,” Peet added.

“I think that would have run out by now to be honest, but I think having a pre-season, and I include a rest in that as well, having a rest, then getting the work done, then getting a Christmas break, then coming in January and feeling rested as opposed to an Ashes series, a short holiday, a short pre-season.

“If you look at those three players, they’re all energy players, they’re all physical players. Harry (Smith) is probably a little bit different in terms of he is in there for his brain and his left foot.

“So I think if you look at them, particularly how young Junior and Brad are, I think missing a pre-season as opposed to having one can stand them in good stead for the early part of their career. That pre-season will probably last them three or four years now.”