Reserves system saved my rugby league career, admits Liam Marshall

Wigan winger Liam Marshall says he came close to bringing his rugby league career to an end until the Warriors reserves offered him a lifeline.

It was announced last week that the 21-year-old penned a new four-year deal with his hometown club Wigan, keeping him at the Warriors until the end of the 2022 season.

Marshall burst onto the scene last year following some impressive performances for the Wigan reserves team. He has gone on to score 32 tries in 21 first team appearances.

But it wasn’t all bright lights for the promising winger this time two years ago.

He told wiganwarriors.com: “At the end of my time in the Under-19s, I was told I wouldn’t sign for the first team.

“Rugby was on the back burner for me and I was focusing on trying to get a job and training to be an accountant so that was more of a priority, but I was given a second chance by the Reserves and Swinton (Lions) and now I’ve signed a four-year contract.

“Last year, I was given the chance to play in the first team and I felt I needed to ‘chuck all my eggs into one basket’ and have a good crack at it and it worked out quite well for me.

“It’s pretty surreal and a whirlwind 12 months but I’ve got to keep my feet on the ground and keep working hard and improving.”

Marshall will be looking to increase his prolific try scoring tally on Friday when Wigan travel to the Halton Stadium to face Widnes Vikings, 8pm kick-off.