Junior Nsemba's stance on NRL career after signing bumper Wigan Warriors deal

Rising star Junior Nsemba has signed a bumper new deal with Wigan and declared: “I want to become a legend here.”

The champions have tied down one of Super League’s most exciting talents on a SIX-YEAR contract. Powerful second-row Nsemba, 20, has enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough campaign, winning the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield, and is widely expected to make his England debut against Samoa next month. He is also heavily tipped to claim Super League’s Young Player of the Year having already made the Dream Team this week.

While many top English talents head to the NRL, Nsemba insists he wants to star with hometown Wigan for years to come. And he could potentially even be a one-club man like famed assistant coach Sean O’Loughlin and current captain Liam Farrell. Nsemba enthused: “Obviously, I've grown up around the corner from The Brick Community Stadium.

“It was a no-brainer signing again and playing in front of these fans for another six years is incredible. The coaches are great and there’s a brilliant culture at Wigan. Obviously, the NRL can be in people's minds but I’m happy where I’m at.

“They are treating me right, we’re a successful club and I want to do something special here. I could definitely see myself doing that [one club]. Lockers and Faz have. That’s why they’re legends here: everyone knows who they are. They have done a lot in the game when playing - and Faz is still doing it.”

Nsemba only signed a new four-year deal 11 months ago but his towering displays since Willie Isa suffered a serious injury in April have seen the club act fast. Warriors chief executive Kris Radlinski rightly describes him as “arguably one of the most talked-about players in the world ” with his athletic prowess and raw power. On the deal, Nsemba conceded: “I was shocked because I only re-signed in October so I didn’t think it’d come this quick.

“But at the same time I was buzzing because I feel this year I’ve put hard work in and it just shows to any player, if you do that, you get recognition. It’s been a rollercoaster. When I came back from a knee injury and played my first game v London in March I wasn’t too confident on how the year would go.

“I never thought I’d be getting a Dream Team shirt on Monday. Getting there I was pretty nervous. But I’ve loved it. And I’m a Christian. I put everything through God. Whatever happens, it’s all through him.”

After England star Jack Welsby recently turned down NRL approaches to sign long-term with St Helens, Nsemba’s retention is another huge boost for Super League. He will still only be 26 when his new deal expires in 2030. Wigan boss Matt Peet said: “It’s a great statement from the club and by Junior. His potential on and off the field is there for everyone to see. We have a responsibility to guide his development and ensure that he achieves everything that he is capable of.

“It makes it even more special that he is a Wigan lad. I know that everyone in the club is delighted at this news including Junior. His kind, hardworking, humble character is a credit to him and his family, and they should be very proud of the young man he is.”

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