Wigan prop Ollie Partington on his hunger to win and making family proud

Wigan prop Ollie Partington would love nothing more than to put a big smile on the faces of his family by helping the club win silverware this season.

The 23-year-old came through the ranks at his hometown club and made his first team debut in 2018. Since then, he has gone on to make 70 appearances for the Warriors.

Partington earned international honours in 2019 as he played for England Knights in their win over Jamaica at Headingley.

He comes from a family who are big Wigan fans, and was even coached by his dad Ian during his junior days at Orrell St James, with his mum Andrea cheering him on from the sidelines.

“My dad got me into rugby when I was a kid and my parents paid my subs from being five to me joining Wigan’s scholarship,” Partington told Love Rugby League.

“My dad was my coach from when I was five to 16. He always wants me to play well and he just wants the best for me.

“They have been a massive influence because they are Wigan fans. I love making them proud as well as my sister. It’s a good feeling to wear the jersey and make them proud everyday.”

MY SET OF SIX: with Ollie Partington featuring Sean O’Loughlin & Headingley

Ollie Partington hungry for more silverware with Wigan

Partington was part of the Wigan squad that were crowned Super League champions in 2018, but didn’t feature in the big dance at Old Trafford.

The Billinge-born forward was then part of the Warriors side that clinched the League Leaders’ Shield in 2020. He played in his first Grand Final that season as they lost to rivals St Helens in the final seconds.

Partington, who was an Academy Grand Final winner in 2017, is hungry for more success the club target silverware this season.

“I just want to be in a winning side,” he said when asked about his personal goals for the season ahead. “However I do it, I don’t really care. I just want to be in the side and win with Wigan.

“We’ve all put culture first. From as soon as we come to training to when we leave, the culture has got to be bang on. Culture is the most important thing.”

Partington is part of the current England Knights Performance squad. With a World Cup coming up this autumn on home soil, Partington would love to represent his country but isn’t thinking too far ahead.

“I’d love to play but I’m still young,” he added. “I just want to focus on playing for Wigan and if it comes, it comes. I just want to win with Wigan.”

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