Wigan Warriors’ Super League rivals send classy Willie Isa message after retirement news
St Helens have put their bitter rivalry with Wigan Warriors to one side in order to send Willie Isa a classy message following his retirement. Isa announced his decision to hang up his boots with immediate effect on Thursday evening with the forward bringing an end to a remarkable career.
The 36-year-old made 313 appearances over the course of his 17 year career, which started with Penrith Panthers in the NRL. Isa joined Melbourne Storm in 2009 before making the move to England to join Castleford Tigers for the 2011 Super League season.
He made just 11 appearances for the Tigers before moving on to Widnes Vikings and it was in the north west where his career really gathered momentum. The New Zealander made 87 outings for the Vikings before switching to Wigan in 2016.
In the years that have followed Isa has managed to stitch his name into club folklore, playing a part in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. Since joining the Cherry and Whites, Isa has won 10 trophies, including four Super League titles, three League Leaders’ Shields, two World Club Challenges and a Challenge Cup.
Unfortunately, he spent much of the club’s quadruple winning season last time around on the sidelines through injury, ensuring his 209th and last appearance for the club came in a Cup win over Castleford in April.
Isa has made the decision to retire after being offered an opportunity that he is keen to pursue and following the announcement of the news, St Helens sent the back-rower a message on social media.
“We’ve had many fierce battles against you, Willie,” the club posted on X.
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