Liam Marshall, a prolific winger for the Wigan Warriors, has set ambitious targets for himself and the team after securing a new long-term contract. As Wigan aims to reclaim the top spot in the Super League, Marshall emphasizes that he still has much more to contribute. The Warriors are set to face Leigh in a midweek game, a rescheduled match resulting from their World Club Challenge victory over Penrith in February.
Marshall is experiencing a career-high season, having already scored an impressive 20 tries this year as part of the Warriors’ title defense. It came as no surprise that head coach Matt Peet secured him with a new four-year contract last week, and the calls for Marshall to earn his first Test cap are growing louder each week.
When discussing the factors contributing to his improved performance this year, Marshall attributes it to his growing maturity as a player and the stability of playing in a consistent backline for most of the season. He explained, “It’s also about the teammates I play alongside. Jake Wardle, who plays inside me, has been performing exceptionally well, and having a strong center like him makes my job easier. I could name four or five players who have significantly helped my performance. I’m finding my role in the team and adapting to the responsibilities of a modern-day winger.”
Despite his recent successes, Marshall remains focused on continuous improvement. “I’m doing well, but there’s always room to get better. I’m playing good rugby, but my goal is to keep improving,” he said.
Marshall’s journey with Wigan began when he made his debut against Leigh in 2017. Since then, he has scored 146 tries in 175 appearances for his hometown club. Now entering the prime of his career, he likely had several opportunities to move elsewhere but chose to stay with Wigan.
He never seriously considered leaving, even though a move to the NRL, where some of his former teammates now play, could have been an option. “I never really pursued anything else,” Marshall admitted. “I focused on my rugby. With the success we’ve had over the last 12 to 18 months and my settled life with a young family, there was nothing to discuss. I couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else. Signing for another four years at Wigan brought a sense of pride for me and my family. The negotiations were straightforward—it was a no-brainer to extend my contract. This is where I want to play my rugby, and I’m thrilled to be with this great club for another four years.”
With 26 tries in 23 games across all competitions this season, Marshall harbors hopes of representing England and playing against Samoa in the autumn. However, he remains grounded about the possibility of selection. He has yet to earn a full cap, though he did play off the bench in a warm-up game against Fiji before the World Cup two years ago.
Marshall remains modest about his chances, saying, “It’s an honor just to be mentioned in conversations about the England team. Whether or not I get selected, we’ll see. It depends on whether I’m playing well enough and doing the right things for Shaun Wane to choose me. There are many talented players in my position, which might be a drawback for me but is a significant advantage for England. If I’m still performing well by the end of the season, great, but I’m not looking too far ahead.”
As Marshall continues to excel on the field, his focus remains on contributing to Wigan’s success and potentially earning a spot on the national team, all while appreciating the stability and support he finds at his hometown club.
