Latest news with #Nsemba
North Wales Chronicle
5 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
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: 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.
Glasgow Times
5 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
5 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
5 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.'
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wigan go top with thrilling win over Leigh
Betfred Super League Wigan (28) 36 Tries: Marshall, Wardle, Keighran, Nsemba, Ellis, Eckersley, Leeming Goals: Keighran 4 Leigh (12) 28 Tries: Niu, Ofahengaue, O'Neill 2, Trout Goals: O'Brien 2, McNamara 2 Wigan Warriors moved above Hull KR to the top of the Super League table with a pulsating 36-28 victory over Leigh Leopards at the Brick Community Stadium. When these two met in the opening round of fixtures in February, all manner of records were broken in a 1-0 golden-point win for Leigh, the lowest-scoring Super League game. Here they served up the polar opposite with a 12-try thriller on a night when the scoreboard rarely stopped turning over. Victory moved Matty Peet's side to the top of the table on points difference over Hull KR, who have a chance to reclaim top spot against Huddersfield Giants on Saturday. If Wigan and Leigh's single-point season opener had been entertaining in its own way, this was rugby league for the neutral with some scintillating attacking play. Wigan were the first to fire as they raced into a 12-0 lead with converted tries from Liam Marshall and Jake Wardle inside nine minutes. Yet Leigh gained a foothold in the contest when Owen Trout forced Jai Field into a fumble under a high ball on 19 minutes, and Tesi Niu bulldozed over close to the posts. Bevan French was as ever at the heart of most of Wigan's play-making and it was the brilliant Australian whose pass put in Adam Keighran for Wigan's third try. Junior Nsemba made it four after a high ball bounced fortunately for Sam Walters to gather and assist. And Kaide Ellis made it five when quick thinking allowed him to ground the ball when he was being held up on the line. It looked like curtains for Leigh at that stage, but Adrian Lam's outfit are nothing but resilient and, despite their 21-14 Challenge Cup semi-final defeat by Warrington Wolves undoubtedly taking plenty out of their legs, they fought back bravely from that point. Joe Ofahengaue grabbed a try back just before the break as they trailed 28-12 at the halfway point. And they came out firing after the break with 12 unanswered points in as many minutes as Ethan O'Neill sneaked in twice from close range. With the score closer than it had been at any point at 32-22, Wigan's nerves might have started to fray but Kruise Leeming soothed them by finishing off a long-range effort as the lead stretched again to 36-22. There was a lengthy delay after Zak Eckersley suffered a neck injury after a tackle which involved Alec Tuitavake. The Wigan player left the field on a stretcher and was taken to hospital, while the Leigh man will find out his fate on Monday when the challenge is reviewed. The delay took some of the sting from the game, and although Trout barrelled over for a converted late try to get Leigh within eight points of the home team, the hooter beat any further comeback. Wigan: Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Byrne, O'Neill, Walters, Nsemba, Farrell, Ellis. Interchanges: Thompson, Mago, Leeming, Dupree. Leigh: Hodgson, McIntosh, Niu, Hanley, Charnley, O'Brien, Lam, Ofahengaue, Ipape, Mulhern, O'Neill, Trout, Liu. Interchanges: Hughes, Davis, Tuitavake, McNamara. Referee: Chris Kendall.
