Latest news with #BetfredSuperLeagueGrandFinal
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Rugby league: Offiah backs Nsemba to be next superstar
The 20-year-old was selected in Shaun Wane's preparation squad for the ABK Beer Ashes Series against Australia, which begins in October, having made his England debut last November against Samoa. The second row's incredible rise came during Wigan Warriors' historic 2024 campaign in which they won the Betfred Super League Grand Final, League Leaders' Shield, Challenge Cup and the World Club Challenge. Nsemba, who can also play prop, was recognised for his stellar contributions last term by winning the Super League Young Player of the Year award. He was also named in the Super League Dream Team and given a new six-year contract by Wigan. 🤩 Just 100 days to go! 👀 We're getting even closer to the opening test of the @ABKBeer Rugby League Ashes at @WembleyStadium... 🏴 Get your tickets and support #EnglandRL now: — England Rugby League (@England_RL) July 17, 2025 Former England and Great Britain international Offiah, who spent three trophy-laden years with Wigan between 1992 and 1995, is backing two-time Super League winner Nsemba to become a 'household name'. 'My expectations are high for Junior,' he said. 'He burst onto the scene during Wigan's perfect season. 'He played in big games, and he's been part of a side that's beaten Australian teams such as Penrith in the World Club Challenge. 'He knows what to expect. There is going to be a lot of expectation on Junior and his brand is rising. 'For me, he's the next big superstar of the English game. 'He is a Wigan player and that comes with a lot of pressure as well, because people are looking at him and saying he's the next Ellery Hanley. 'He's the next guy who, if England win this Ashes series, could go onto become a household name.' Beginning in Clapham - home of one of London's largest populations of expat Aussies - and finishing at the iconic Wembley Stadium, the tour saw the Ashes Trophy travel through the capital's streets aboard a classic London bus, giving fans and passers-by a glimpse of the 97-year-old trophy as it approached the Wembley arch. Nsemba made his domestic debut in 2022 aged 18 and has produced another string of dynamic and eye-catching performances during the 2025 season, scoring six tries in 18 appearances, as Wigan sit second in the table. Offiah knows all about the pressures the come with rising to the top of the sport but is steadfast in his belief Nsemba can handle what is thrown at him. 'When you push people into that position, it's tough because it comes with a certain level of expectation,' he continued. 'The Aussies are going to be aware of him; he's going to be a targeted man. 'Can he rise to that challenge? Can he be that guy? He can, and I believe Junior's got everything to handle it.' Offiah was speaking during a launch event in London to mark 100 days to go until the 2025 Ashes Series begins. The three-Test contest will see England face Australia on home soil for the first time since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final, and will also be the first Ashes Series since 2003, when the Kangaroos last toured the UK under the Great Britain banner. The series kicks off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25th October, before heading to Liverpool a week later on Saturday 1st November where a sold-out Bramley-Moore Dock will take centre stage. Leeds Rhinos' Headingley Stadium is the venue for the third and final Test, also a sellout, on Saturday 8th November. Over 60,000 tickets were sold on the first day of the priority sales window, which was a record-breaking figure for any Rugby League series launch. 'I'm so happy to see the Ashes Series return to the Rugby League calendar after such a long time,' Offiah added. 'There is a rich history between these two great teams, and the upcoming Test Matches give this generation of athletes a chance to write their own chapter in the story of this famous rivalry.' Marking the milestone with a '100 days to go' London Trophy Tour were Rugby League legend Martin Offiah MBE, current England captain George Williams, star player Jack Welsby, and Aussie comedian and Rugby Football League President, Adam Hills MBE.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Rugby league: Offiah backs Nsemba to be next superstar
The 20-year-old was selected in Shaun Wane's preparation squad for the ABK Beer Ashes Series against Australia, which begins in October, having made his England debut last November against Samoa. The second row's incredible rise came during Wigan Warriors' historic 2024 campaign in which they won the Betfred Super League Grand Final, League Leaders' Shield, Challenge Cup and the World Club Challenge. Nsemba, who can also play prop, was recognised for his stellar contributions last term by winning the Super League Young Player of the Year award. He was also named in the Super League Dream Team and given a new six-year contract by Wigan. 🤩 Just 100 days to go! 👀 We're getting even closer to the opening test of the @ABKBeer Rugby League Ashes at @WembleyStadium... 🏴 Get your tickets and support #EnglandRL now: — England Rugby League (@England_RL) July 17, 2025 Former England and Great Britain international Offiah, who spent three trophy-laden years with Wigan between 1992 and 1995, is backing two-time Super League winner Nsemba to become a 'household name'. 'My expectations are high for Junior,' he said. 'He burst onto the scene during Wigan's perfect season. 'He played in big games, and he's been part of a side that's beaten Australian teams such as Penrith in the World Club Challenge. 'He knows what to expect. There is going to be a lot of expectation on Junior and his brand is rising. 'For me, he's the next big superstar of the English game. 'He is a Wigan player and that comes with a lot of pressure as well, because people are looking at him and saying he's the next Ellery Hanley. 'He's the next guy who, if England win this Ashes series, could go onto become a household name.' Beginning in Clapham - home of one of London's largest populations of expat Aussies - and finishing at the iconic Wembley Stadium, the tour saw the Ashes Trophy travel through the capital's streets aboard a classic London bus, giving fans and passers-by a glimpse of the 97-year-old trophy as it approached the Wembley arch. Nsemba made his domestic debut in 2022 aged 18 and has produced another string of dynamic and eye-catching performances during the 2025 season, scoring six tries in 18 appearances, as Wigan sit second in the table. Offiah knows all about the pressures the come with rising to the top of the sport but is steadfast in his belief Nsemba can handle what is thrown at him. 'When you push people into that position, it's tough because it comes with a certain level of expectation,' he continued. 'The Aussies are going to be aware of him; he's going to be a targeted man. 'Can he rise to that challenge? Can he be that guy? He can, and I believe Junior's got everything to handle it.' Offiah was speaking during a launch event in London to mark 100 days to go until the 2025 Ashes Series begins. The three-Test contest will see England face Australia on home soil for the first time since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final, and will also be the first Ashes Series since 2003, when the Kangaroos last toured the UK under the Great Britain banner. The series kicks off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25th October, before heading to Liverpool a week later on Saturday 1st November where a sold-out Bramley-Moore Dock will take centre stage. Leeds Rhinos' Headingley Stadium is the venue for the third and final Test, also a sellout, on Saturday 8th November. Over 60,000 tickets were sold on the first day of the priority sales window, which was a record-breaking figure for any Rugby League series launch. 'I'm so happy to see the Ashes Series return to the Rugby League calendar after such a long time,' Offiah added. 'There is a rich history between these two great teams, and the upcoming Test Matches give this generation of athletes a chance to write their own chapter in the story of this famous rivalry.' Marking the milestone with a '100 days to go' London Trophy Tour were Rugby League legend Martin Offiah MBE, current England captain George Williams, star player Jack Welsby, and Aussie comedian and Rugby Football League President, Adam Hills MBE.
Powys County Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Rugby league: Offiah backs Nsemba to be next superstar
Martin Offiah is backing Junior Nsemba to become English rugby league's next superstar. The 20-year-old was selected in Shaun Wane's preparation squad for the ABK Beer Ashes Series against Australia, which begins in October, having made his England debut last November against Samoa. The second row's incredible rise came during Wigan Warriors' historic 2024 campaign in which they won the Betfred Super League Grand Final, League Leaders' Shield, Challenge Cup and the World Club Challenge. Nsemba, who can also play prop, was recognised for his stellar contributions last term by winning the Super League Young Player of the Year award. He was also named in the Super League Dream Team and given a new six-year contract by Wigan. 🤩 Just 100 days to go! 👀 We're getting even closer to the opening test of the @ABKBeer Rugby League Ashes at @WembleyStadium... 🏴 Get your tickets and support #EnglandRL now: — England Rugby League (@England_RL) July 17, 2025 Former England and Great Britain international Offiah, who spent three trophy-laden years with Wigan between 1992 and 1995, is backing two-time Super League winner Nsemba to become a 'household name'. 'My expectations are high for Junior,' he said. 'He burst onto the scene during Wigan's perfect season. 'He played in big games, and he's been part of a side that's beaten Australian teams such as Penrith in the World Club Challenge. 'He knows what to expect. There is going to be a lot of expectation on Junior and his brand is rising. 'For me, he's the next big superstar of the English game. 'He is a Wigan player and that comes with a lot of pressure as well, because people are looking at him and saying he's the next Ellery Hanley. 'He's the next guy who, if England win this Ashes series, could go onto become a household name.' Beginning in Clapham - home of one of London's largest populations of expat Aussies - and finishing at the iconic Wembley Stadium, the tour saw the Ashes Trophy travel through the capital's streets aboard a classic London bus, giving fans and passers-by a glimpse of the 97-year-old trophy as it approached the Wembley arch. Nsemba made his domestic debut in 2022 aged 18 and has produced another string of dynamic and eye-catching performances during the 2025 season, scoring six tries in 18 appearances, as Wigan sit second in the table. Offiah knows all about the pressures the come with rising to the top of the sport but is steadfast in his belief Nsemba can handle what is thrown at him. 'When you push people into that position, it's tough because it comes with a certain level of expectation,' he continued. 'The Aussies are going to be aware of him; he's going to be a targeted man. 'Can he rise to that challenge? Can he be that guy? He can, and I believe Junior's got everything to handle it.' Offiah was speaking during a launch event in London to mark 100 days to go until the 2025 Ashes Series begins. The three-Test contest will see England face Australia on home soil for the first time since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final, and will also be the first Ashes Series since 2003, when the Kangaroos last toured the UK under the Great Britain banner. The series kicks off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25th October, before heading to Liverpool a week later on Saturday 1st November where a sold-out Bramley-Moore Dock will take centre stage. Leeds Rhinos' Headingley Stadium is the venue for the third and final Test, also a sellout, on Saturday 8th November. Over 60,000 tickets were sold on the first day of the priority sales window, which was a record-breaking figure for any Rugby League series launch. 'I'm so happy to see the Ashes Series return to the Rugby League calendar after such a long time,' Offiah added. 'There is a rich history between these two great teams, and the upcoming Test Matches give this generation of athletes a chance to write their own chapter in the story of this famous rivalry.'
The Independent
28-02-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Wigan Warriors vs Warrington Wolves prediction: Champs to take Las Vegas by storm
It's a new dawn for rugby league as the Super League takes to Las Vegas this Saturday night for a thrilling, blockbuster clash between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves. This is one of the oldest and closest club rivalries in rugby league history with the two sides only separated by a 13-mile trip down the M6. They've played each other in 325 matches with the Warriors edging the head-to-head by quite a margin having won 188 times compared to Warrington's 126 victories. As usual, the two clubs provided two enthralling encounters in the Super League last season with Wigan clinching an 18-19 victory away from home thanks to a Harry Smith drop goal. The Warriors were 12-0 down after 20 minutes in that contest but tries from Junior Nsemba, Liam Marshall and Kruise Leeming, as well as Smith's drop goal sent them into the break 19-12 ahead and Warrington were unable to claw back the deficit. Things were wildly different in their second meeting as the Wolves romped to a 4-40 at the Brick Community Stadium, running in seven tries, including two each for Arron Lindop and Matty Ashton, as they handed Wigan a first home defeat in 18 matches and earned their biggest Super League winning margin in games against the Warriors. Much of the pre-season talk has been around Super League heading to Vegas for this week's match-up between Wigan and Warrington with punters able to make use of a range of markets available on betting apps. Wigan chief executive Kris Radlinski initiated talks with Australia's NRL, who host the games in the United States, and negotiated a deal to have one 'home' game played in Sin City this year. Once that deal was done the only thing left was to choose an opponent and Warrington are the ideal choice. Head coach Sam Burgess has overseen consecutive wins at the start of this Super League season with a 16-20 away win at Huddersfield Giants quickly followed by a testing 18-12 triumph over Catalan Dragons at home. In contrast, Wigan kicked off their season with a 0-1 loss at home to Leigh Leopards in a golden point match that signals the dramatic flair embodied by Matty Peet's side. They subsequently found form and smashed Hull FC 4-46 in their last outing. The clubs are next to each other in the table with Warrington sitting fourth and Wigan fifth and neither will be overawed by the flashing lights of the Vegas strip once the match gets going at the Allegiant Stadium. Despite this game being played at a neutral venue, rugby betting sites have Wigan as the favourites and you can get 21/50 on a Warriors win from Unibet and BetMGM while BoyleSports are offering a not-too-unreasonable 5/2 on Warrington to triumph in the United States. Warrington won't be fooled by the task they have in front of them though. Wigan won all four major honours in 2024 alone including the World Club Challenge, the League Leaders' Shield, the Betfred Super League Grand Final and the Betfred Challenge Cup, where they defeated the Wolves in the final at Wembley. They tend to perform well on the big stage and may want to put on a show in Vegas. As such we're predicting a high scoring outing with the Cherry and Whites coming out on top. Jai Field to continue good form With both squads unchanged and injury-free, backing up our thought process is the form of Wigan full-back Jai Field. The Australian performed admirably in the season opener against Leigh but came into his own with a hat-trick of tries in the demolition of Hull FC last time out. Prices vary on betting sites but you can get decent odds of 8/5 from Bet365 for him to cross the line anytime in the game while the likes of William Hill and BetVictor are offering him at 9/1 to be the first tryscorer. Alternatively, Warrington's Arran Lindop is in decent touch and Bet365 have him at 15/4 to score at anytime which may be worth a look. Please gamble responsibly When having a bet, it's vital to practice responsible gambling. Betting can be addictive and it's important to stay in control of your betting. Never treat gambling as a way to make money, never bet more than you can afford and when the fun stops, stop. Gambling sites offer punters tools, like deposit limits, profit and loss trackers and self-exclusion options, to help them stay in control. But if you ever feel like you need help or advice on gambling addiction, don't hesitate to contact one of the charities or organisations below.
