Wigan warriors youngster chases childhood Ambition , Acknowledges tough test in semis.
Wigan Warriors rising star Brad O’Neill acknowledges that playing at Wembley Stadium would be a childhood dream, but the 20-time Challenge Cup winners must first beat Hull KR for a seat beneath the iconic arch. O’Neill has won every trophy possible in his early career, including appearances in the 2022 Challenge Cup victory over the Huddersfield Giants and the 2023 Super League Grand Final win against the Catalans Dragons.
And, having seen Wigan as a youngster in the capital, the national stadium remains on the academy product’s bucket list, with a semi-final spot up for grabs this weekend at Doncaster’s Eco-Power Stadium.
O’Neill stated, “The memory that sticks out the most is the Wigan and Leeds final, when Joel Tomkins scored that try and linked up with Sam. I was present for that game.
“I’ve also been there when they lost, like as in 2017 when Hull FC defeated us. I believe I was in my first year of scholarship when I was 14 or 15.
“I feel like I’ve followed Wigan everywhere. I’m a huge Wembley fan, and it’s always been a dream of mine to play there. But we have a significant challenge this weekend.” Willie Peters’ side has already beaten Wigan already this season, 26-10 at Craven Park, handing the Warriors only their second defeat of the season.
The Robins also eliminated Matt Peet’s side from the renowned competition at the same point last year in a dramatic Golden Point game at Headingley, with Brad Schneider kicking the decisive drop-goal on a day when Joe Shorrocks was sent off early in the contest. Wigan’s new number nine understands the significance of this weekend’s game, as the Warriors last played at Wembley Stadium in 2017 and the 2022 final will be held at Tottenham Hotspurs’ home ground.
“It’s going to be huge,” O’Neill added. “The prize at the end of it, getting to Wembley, is enormous. Obviously, we didn’t get there last year, and Hull KR also beat us. “It’s a big day for us, and we’re all extremely excited, but I’m sure there are some nerves as well. But we all play rugby league to get into these huge games.”