Keighran shares Vegas excitement

[josie andrews]

ADAM KEIGHRAN TALKS THROUGH HIS RUGBY LEAGUE JOURNEY AND TICKING OFF A BUCKET LIST GOAL WITH WIGAN WARRIORS IN LAS VEGAS.

Having been introduced to rugby league as an infant on Australia’s Central Coast, Keighran discovered his love for the sport whilst competing against older brother, Brad, prior to extending his development at local side Wyong Roos.

Whilst cricket, golf and motorbike racing were tried out as a junior, the region’s rugby league passion created memories Keighran holds proudly to this day.

“My early memories are trying to play against lads who were bigger and older than me,” Keighran recalled. “It was daunting at the time, but looking back it was a good experience.”

He added: “My brother was two years older than me so the first time I played alongside him was in a school match. Although I didn’t get many minutes, the moment was cool and we were able to play together years later in the first grade at our local side.”

Keighran represented the Australian Schoolboys in a two-game series win over New Zealand at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and BMD Kougari Oval in 2015. After impressing at trials, Keighran went on to score in both matches from an unfamiliar role.

“I trialled at stand-off then moved to lock before I was picked to play in the second-row,” Keighran said. “We had a stacked side – many now play in the NRL – and I scored in each game which completed the whole experience.”

After joining Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ NRL squad for pre-season three months later, Keighran represented the Bulldogs in the NSW Cup before he moved to Penrith Panthers where he played in the competition alongside Kaide Ellis.

Having made his NRL debut for New Zealand Warriors in the opening round of the 2019 season, Keighran joined Catalans Dragons – after two-years at Sydney Roosters – where he accumulated 200 points – 13 tries and 74 goals.

“[Moving to New Zealand] was an unexpected opportunity at first, but it has been one of my career highlights,” Keighran revealed. “It’s a beautiful country, the people are great, I loved the team we had – It’s one of those experiences I’ll never regret.

“France brought a completely different challenge. At the start I struggled to understand things which made going places hard. I had a lot of help learning the language and by the end I understood the basics. It’s another experience looking back that I’ve been able to live.”

Upon returning to Robin Park Arena at the start of the month, Keighran received a harsh welcome home from the British weather that has seen minus temperatures and snow – a rare sight to Southern Hemisphere natives.

[The weather] It’s quite the difference,” Keighran said. “As a family we were made to feel a part of the Club straight away, and now we have many close friends in the sporting environment and out. Last year was an unreal debut season and I’m looking forward to the campaign ahead.”

Preparations for the upcoming season continue at Robin Park Arena, with friendlies at Oldham and Leeds Rhinos to come this month before the first competitive match of the year in the Third Round of the Betfred Challenge Cup.

After facing Leigh Leopards and Hull FC in the opening rounds of the Betfred Super League season, the Warriors take on Warrington Wolves in a historic clash at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.

“I’m yet to visit America but it’s always been on the bucket list,” Keighran said. “To start with Las Vegas will be an unreal welcome to the States. My family will be attending and I’m trying to convince some friends from back home to travel as well.”

With just 50 days to go until Wigan Warriors face Warrington Wolves in Las Vegas, you can still secure your ticket and travel package online HERE so that you don’t miss out

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2025/01/ ... xcitement/

[Exiled Wiganer]

I am happy he is happy. I can’t see any upside for the team, and only risk of injuries through tiredness/jet lag.
Plus, why is this our home game? Why do season ticket holders lose out?
I should stress these are minor quibbles, as the team remains a privilege to support and a joy to watch.

[moto748]

I am happy he is happy. I can’t see any upside for the team, and only risk of injuries through tiredness/jet lag.
Plus, why is this our home game? Why do season ticket holders lose out?
I should stress these are minor quibbles, as the team remains a privilege to support and a joy to watch.

This. Can't wait for the start of the season.