Isa’s impact will remain in the hearts of fans, and his contributions will be cherished as a lasting part of Wigan’s proud rugby league history.
In a heartfelt announcement, veteran
rugby league player **Willie Isa** has
decided to hang up his boots, bringing an
end to his **illustrious nine-year
career** with the **Wigan Warriors**.
The 35-year-old has been a key figure in
Wigan’s squad, known for his **tough
tackling, relentless work ethic, and
leadership on and off the pitch**. His
departure marks the conclusion of an era
for the Warriors, as they bid farewell to
one of their most dependable and
hardworking players.
A Warrior Through and Through.
Isa joined Wigan in **2016** and quickly
became an integral part of the team,
embodying the club’s values of resilience
and determination. Over the years, he
has played more than **200 games** for
the Warriors, solidifying his reputation
as one of Super League’s most
formidable enforcers. His aggressive
defensive style and versatility allowed
him to thrive in multiple positions,
including **second row, centre, and
loose forward**.
Reflecting on his time with Wigan, Isa expressed **immense pride and gratitude:
*”It has been an incredible journey, and I
am truly honoured to have represented
Wigan Warriors for so many years. The
club, my teammates, and the fans have
been like a family to me, and I will
cherish every moment spent wearing the
cherry and white jersey.”*
A Career Defined by Hard Work and Loyalty.
Before joining Wigan, Isa had already
built an impressive resume. Born in
**Auckland, New Zealand**, he began his
rugby league journey with **Penrith
Panthers** in the NRL before moving to
the **Melbourne Storm**, where he
honed his craft under the legendary
**Craig Bellamy**. He then made the
move to England, playing for both
**Castleford Tigers** and **Widnes
Vikings** before securing his long-term
place at Wigan.
During his tenure with the Warriors, Isa
played a pivotal role in the team’s
success, contributing to their **Super
League Grand Final triumphs and
Challenge Cup victories**. His leadership
qualities were also recognised when he
was named **vice-captain** in recent
years, serving as a mentor for younger
players in the squad.
Tributes Pour In.
Following his retirement announcement,
tributes from teammates, coaches, and
fans have flooded in, praising Isa’s
**commitment, passion, and
selflessness** on the field. Wigan head
coach **Matt Peet** hailed him as a
player who always put the team first:
*”Willie is the ultimate professional. He
has been a leader within our group,
setting the standards for hard work and
discipline. His influence on and off the
pitch has been immense, and his legacy
at Wigan Warriors will not be
forgotten.”*
Captain **Liam Farrell**, who has played alongside Isa for nearly a decade, also shared his admiration:
*”Willie has been an absolute warrior for
this club. His dedication to the game and
his teammates has been second to none.
It’s been an honour to play alongside
him.”*
What’s Next for Willie Isa?
While Isa has officially stepped away
from professional rugby league, he
remains **open to new opportunities
within the sport**. Many believe he could
transition into **coaching or
mentoring**, given his wealth of
experience and strong leadership
qualities.
Isa himself hinted at staying involved in rugby league, saying:
*”Rugby league has been my life, and I’m
passionate about helping the next
generation of players. I’ll take some time
to reflect on my next steps, but I’m
excited for what the future holds.”*
A True Fan Favourite.
Isa’s relentless playing style and no-
nonsense attitude made him a **fan
favourite** at Wigan. Supporters
admired his **commitment, physicality,
and team-first mentality**, and his
departure leaves a void that will be hard
to fill.
As Wigan Warriors prepare for the next
chapter, they do so with immense
appreciation for a player who **gave his
all for the club**. Isa’s legacy will live on
in the hearts of fans, and his
contributions will be remembered as
part of Wigan’s rich rugby league
history.
