Patrick Mago has ‘more to offer’ as Wigan prop provides contract update

Wigan forward Patrick Mago insists he has ‘more to offer’ with his performances as the ex-NRL prop provides an update on his future. 

Mago, 28, joined the Warriors from South Sydney Rabbitohs ahead of the 2022 season on a two-year deal, with the option of a third for 2024.

The New Zealand-born forward admits he’s had some chats with Wigan boss Matt Peet, but is hoping to let his performances do the talking for the remainder of the campaign, having made eight appearances all from the bench so far in 2023.

“We’ve had chats and that. Hopefully we can get something sorted out for next year, but I’m focussing on playing my best footy and putting my best foot forward,” Mago told Love Rugby League. 

“Wigan is such a big club with such big history and it’s such a successful club as well. 

“I know a lot of players would love to be here at Wigan and I’m loving my time here. If the opportunity arises to stay, I’ll have a chat with my management team about it. 

“I’ve enjoyed my time here as well and I know a lot of people that have been here and people that want to stay here. It’s a successful team, so who doesn’t want to be a part of that?

“The better we’re doing out there and the more games we’re winning and the better we perform, then it sorts the other side out. All we’re trying to focus on is us playing our best footy and that’s all we can do.”

Patrick Mago: It has been a bit of a rollercoaster for myself

Having represented North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos in the NRL, Mago has given an honest assessment on his form in 2023 with 548 metres, 14 tackle busts and 108 tackles.

To date, he has made 34 Super League appearances for the Warriors.

“It has been a bit of a rollercoaster for myself,” Mago said on his 2023 form. “I know my role when I go out there, to run hard and try and change the game and do something for the team.

“I feel like I know I have a lot more to offer. It’s one of those things where I need to come in and show it and do it, it’s something that I look forward to doing and trying to put my best foot forward and improve myself and improve the team.

“There’s obviously a lot of room for improvement for myself in my game that I know, but it’s obviously about going out there and showing it on the field.”

Challenge Cup up next for Patrick Mago and Warriors

Mago was a part of Wigan’s Challenge Cup winning side in 2022, featuring from the interchange bench at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the dramatic 16-14 win over Huddersfield.

The side’s road to retain their title begins this Saturday with a trip to Headingley Stadium, with the sixth round tie against Leeds set to be broadcast live on the BBC. 

Rohan Smith’s side recently handed Wigan their fourth defeat of the Super League season, turning around a 14-0 score to claim a 40-18 victory at the DW Stadium.

“There was some positives to come out of last week’s game, as tough as it was losing,” added Mago.

“We’ve had a great week of training, the boys have done everything we can to look at the things we need to improve on and our focus now is nailing our roles and everyone doing what they need to do.

“It’s a new week, a different game and the Challenge Cup. Everyone is excited to get out there and do our best and showcase what we can. 

“Obviously winning the Challenge Cup last year was a great feeling and it’s one we definitely hope to feel again this year. But there’s plenty of games until the final and it’s best we focus on Leeds first.”

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