Matty Wildie on Featherstone’s Super League ambitions & Joey Leilua
Matty Wildie in action for Featherstone (Photo: Allan McKenzie / SWpix)
Featherstone hooker Matty Wildie says it was a no-brainer to return to the club because he was impressed by their ambitions of getting into Super League.
The 31-year-old re-joined Rovers in the off-season after spending last season with Leigh, who suffered relegation from Super League.
Wildie enjoyed three seasons with Featherstone between 2016-18, making 49 appearances, and said it was always in the back of his mind to come back to Post Office Road.
He told Love Rugby League: “I enjoyed my time here before. The club has got big ambitions of where it wants to be and it is something I want to be part of.
“It was an easy decision for me. Obviously the news of Brian (McDermott) coming in speaks for itself of what he’s done in the game. I want to add a bit to this team and progress individually as well. The goal is to get promoted so it was a no-brainer coming back.
“At the time I was speaking to the club before Brian even got the job. In the back of my mind I always wanted to come back. I think I played my best rugby when I was here previously.
“My family love it here, so to come back was always something I wanted to do.”
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Featherstone made a huge statement of intent ahead of the 2022 season by signing Samoa powerhouse Joey Leilua.
The 30-year-old has made more than 200 appearances in the NRL, and Wildie believes he can add to Featherstone both on and off the field.
He added: “It is a massive signing. It is not just big for Featherstone and the Championship, it is big for the game in all.
“He is up there with Greg Inglis signing for Warrington. He is massive in the game and what he can bring not just on the field, but off it as well. It is massive for the game so I’m glad he’s on my team!”
Promotion-chasing Featherstone have enjoyed a fine start to their season, winning three from three.
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