Junior Nsemba reveals Wigan Warriors 'focus' after Wembley as Paris test passed
Junior Nsemba reacts to Wigan Warriors’ win over Catalans Dragons in Paris
Wigan Warriors star Junior Nsemba was pleased to see his side back up last weekend’s Challenge Cup final triumph with another impressive display as they eased to a 40-16 victory over Catalans Dragons in Paris.
Matt Peet’s side returned to action just seven days after lifting the Challenge Cup at Wembley with a dominant win over Hull KR - but there was no sign of a hangover as they produced another clinical performance at the Stade Jean-Bouin.
“It’s amazing, it’s great to play with the group, and it was a great performance in France,” Nsemba told Sky Sports.
“Obviously, last week, doing what we did, we wanted to match that up this week and not be a one-week wonder, so I’m glad that we did that today.”
The Warriors made an electric start, scoring five tries before the break to effectively put the contest beyond Catalans. Jai Field opened the scoring before Nsemba added Wigan’s second, with George Marsden, Jack Farrimond and Jake Wardle also crossing before half-time.
The visitors’ intensity from the opening whistle was evident throughout the first period, and Nsemba revealed that avoiding a drop-off after the celebrations of Wembley had been a key focus throughout the week.
“Most definitely,” he said when asked if Wigan had spoken about starting strongly.
“I think in previous years when we’ve won the Challenge Cup, the week after we’ve been pretty bad, so this week we had a focus on staying consistent with it so we could go to Wakefield next week with a good mindset.”
Nsemba has been one of the standout performers during this season, with the powerful back-rower continuing to establish himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the game.
The 21-year-old has become a key figure in Peet’s side and is producing some of the best rugby of his career, although he believes there is still plenty more to come.
Asked whether he is currently in the form of his career, Nsemba replied: “Yeah, I guess you could say (that).
“I just need to keep doing what I’m doing, listening to Matty and the coaches, but I’m still young, and I’ve still got a lot of time to reach my peak.”
Next up for the Warriors is a trip to Wakefield Trinity on Friday night.