Willie Isa

[Charriots Offiah]

It must be a good offer. He is so highly thought of at Wigan I am sure he would have been appointed to the back room staff.

[Charriots Offiah]

Ends his playing career to pursue new opportunities

Class act on and off the field,

What’s he moved onto josie? Is he staying within club or moving on

Don’t think so, he just said he has new opportunities that he couldn’t turn down. He got quite emotional when he was speaking at the Pre Season Dinner.

He was Josie. That came out of the blue.

[widdenoldboy]

Its been a wild ride with Willie on board, great entertainer on and off the field, good luck pal.

I guess the club gave him as long as possible to get back to fitness, I guess he couldn't make the friendly last weekend and that was the clincher - who knows?

[josie andrews]

A great video of Willie Isa’s Wigan Warriors career & what it means to him



https://x.com/wiganwarriorsrl/status/18 ... 71221?s=61

[Beryl O'Neill]

What a shame good luck for the future . whatever you do you'll be sadly missed

[boggart]

I hope he does well. He deserves to. Didn't he just sign on for an extra year? I'd've thought he'd be perfect for the youth set-up?

[the pieman]

Good luck Willie

He may not have been the most talented player i have ever watched but you cannot question his commitment to the team. I know all RL players are tough and i think Willie is one of the hardest / toughest competitors i've seen in Cherry and White. I'd put him in the same category as Dean Bell as they are hard as nails / play on through all sorts of blows and well above their weight

[the pieman]

A great video of Willie Isa’s Wigan Warriors career & what it means to him



https://x.com/wiganwarriorsrl/status/18 ... 71221?s=61

Just seen it on Linked In, got a tear in my eye with his speech at the end and what Wigan means to him / us

[josie andrews]

A great video of Willie Isa’s Wigan Warriors career & what it means to him



https://x.com/wiganwarriorsrl/status/18 ... 71221?s=61

Just seen it on Linked In, got a tear in my eye with his speech at the end and what Wigan means to him / us

It got a bit more of an emotional evening with Marshy discussing the trauma he & his family endured last season. I was friends with his Mum & we messaged regularly throughout her illness. So I literally had tears rolling down my cheeks when he was interviewed.

[josie andrews]

Willie Isa sends emotional message as Wigan Warriors star confirms shock retirement

Wigan Warriors have confirmed that fan favourite Willie Isa has retired with immediate effect in order to take up a new opportunity.

The 36-year-old has not played for the club since April last year which is when he suffered his devastating injury that ended his 2024 season.

Isa suffered both an ankle fracture and dislocation and only returned to training late in the 2024 season. There were concerns that he would not play again given that his contract was set to expire at the end of last season, however, the veteran signed a new one-year deal.

Despite signing that new deal, just months later it has now been confirmed that Isa will retire from rugby league with immediate effect – ending his nine year association with Wigan Warriors.

Isa started his career with Penrith Panthers but played just one game before moving to Melbourne Storm, during which time he made his sole appearance for Samoa.

A move to England followed as he joined Castleford Tigers in 2011 before moving to Widnes and then eventually Wigan in 2016, going on to make over 200 appearances for the Warriors.

Willie Isa sends emotional message as Wigan Warriors star confirms shock retirement

A statement from Wigan confirmed Isa’s shock retirement that included a lengthy statement from the New Zealand-born forward.

He said: “During my time at Wigan Warriors I was fortunate to have worked with some incredible people within the game. Wigan Warriors is a special club and I want to thank everyone who I have had the privilege of working with.

“The fans, of course, are a big part of the club. I am grateful for the way you have all embraced me. The least I could do was play with my heart every time I wore the Cherry and White jersey. I hope you saw that and I have repaid the faith and support you showed me.

“The decision has not been easy and somewhat unexpected, but it is a blessing that I have been offered an opportunity to pursue. For me to take this opportunity, I have made the choice to end my professional career with immediate effect.

“Specifically, I want to thank the medical team and everyone at the club who has supported me throughout the recovery of my ankle dislocation and fractured fibula. I am extremely grateful for their hard work, time and support which has enabled me to return into full team training and experience the thrills of contact training again.

“None of this would have been possible without having the trust of Shaun Wane and Kris Radlinski who brought me into this prestigious club, along with all the coaches through to Matt Peet today. My aim was to help the team win trophies and I couldn’t be prouder leaving the club as a quadruple winner.

“Now I am one of you and look forward to supporting the boys alongside you – so please save me a seat in the South Stand!”

Head coach Matt Peet commended Isa’s achievements in the sport and hailed his commitment to helping set the culture of the club.

He said:

On behalf of the staff and playing group we are incredibly proud to celebrate Willie Isa as he announces his retirement from professional rugby league. Willie has been a cornerstone of our culture, exemplifying leadership, courage, care and humility.

“His relentless commitment to the team and his ability to inspire those around him have made a huge impact on this group over the last decade. Willie’s influence extends far beyond his performances; he has been a role model for younger players and a true ambassador for our values.

“We thank him for his friendship and his outstanding contribution to the game. We wish him all the very best in the next chapter of his journey.”

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/willie-i ... nt-100897/