Wigan Warriors ace Patrick Mago revels in third Challenge Cup win - ‘The best weekend’

Wigan Warriors powerhouse Patrick Mago admits he did not fully understand the importance of the Challenge Cup before arriving in England - but three Wembley triumphs later, he certainly does now.

The Samoan prop played his part as Matt Peet’s side produced a ruthless display under the famous arch, pulling away in the second half to sweep aside the Robins with a 40-10 victory and lift the trophy for the third time since Mago arrived at the club in 2022.

While Wigan’s men celebrated Challenge Cup glory, the club’s women had already retained their trophy earlier in the day with a 54-6 victory over St Helens, making it a memorable occasion for the Cherry and Whites in the capital.

Reflecting on the achievement, Mago struggled to put his emotions into words.

“I’m happy,” Mago told Wigan Today.

“What the women are doing and what us lads are doing at Wembley, all the emotions… I can’t really describe it, but to do that to a good team like Hull KR and play the way we did was a credit to Matty and all of our coaching staff and everyone behind the scenes that makes everything for us so much easier, and allows us just to focus on our game, really.

“Playing today and getting the win in front of our families and fans is second to none, so I’m very happy, and we’re going to enjoy a few beers and then try to focus on next week!”

Wigan’s victory capped another successful Wembley trip for Mago, who has now lifted the Challenge Cup three times since joining the Warriors from NRL side South Sydney Rabbitohs.

The Warriors face Catalans Dragons in Paris next weekend in Super League, but Mago insists there will be time to enjoy the latest success before attention turns back to league matters.

“We go to Paris on Thursday, but we’ll just enjoy this moment here and now, really,” he said.

“The Challenge Cup, since I’ve come here, it’s the best weekend, so you’ve got to enjoy it.

“We’ve got the league next week, so we will take this win today and come Tuesday or Wednesday when we’re in, we’ll focus on that.

“But for now, we’ll enjoy a few beers and celebrate the win with our families.”

Having arrived in England ahead of the 2022 campaign, Mago admits he did not fully understand the significance of the Challenge Cup before joining one of the competition’s most successful clubs.

Now, after three Wembley triumphs, the 31-year-old has fully embraced what the competition means to Wigan and rugby league as a whole.

“I think when you hear the stories of how much Wigan comes alive in the Challenge Cup, you hear those stories and watch back videos and you have all the greats come in, tell us their experiences, you buy into it,” he explained.

“And it’s not just for Wigan, it’s for the whole country. Every club is competing for this trophy and to come out on top as winners means a lot.”

Mago also paid tribute to Hull KR after Wigan halted the Robins’ hopes of retaining the Challenge Cup.

But on the biggest stage, it was the Warriors who delivered.

“You can’t take anything away from KR, they’re such a great side so it was just our day I guess,” added Mago. “I’m just happy that we got the win today.”