I have been a huge Rugby League supporter for many years and to work in one of the sports I love is a dream of mine, so when the chance arose for me to join the Wigan Warriors as an intern, it was an opportunity I could not afford to miss out on.
Interview
I first spoke to the Chief Executive of the Warriors on the telephone and arranged an interview for the 2nd of June which I was hugely nervous about, but on my arrival I relaxed and the day went well. It was not long after this that I received a phone call from the club asking me if I wanted to come in and start working. To say I was delighted was a huge understatement.
Day One
My first day was on the 12th of June, and on arrival I was introduced to the whole team at the Warriors then allocated my first task, which was to write articles for the match programme for the upcoming Widnes Vikings home fixture.
My first objective was to write the Super League news round up for that week, with numerous stories on recent events in the sport. Next was looking through the history archives and choosing a memorable season to write about from years gone by, whilst focussing on an unforgettable game against Widnes from that year.
Wigan vs Widnes Game and the return of Joel Tomkins
I attended the Widnes game, during which my role was to shadow the Communications Executive and see how everything works on game day. I watched the match in the press seating area alongside the radio commentators and journalists which was fantastic. There was a great surprise in store at half time too, when Joel Tomkins was unveiled as a new signing; his return from Rugby Union side Saracens after three years stunned everyone in the Stadium.
I attended my first press conference after the game, watching and listening intently to the media in attendance as first Denis Betts, then Wigan Coach Shaun Wane, Chairman Ian Lenagan and new recruit Joel Tomkins all spoke and answered questions.
Moving on, I completed the match day programme tasks for the future home matches, in addition to anything else that was asked of me, as I was happy to help as much as I could.
Match Report
This brilliant learning curve carried on for a few weeks, taking in the amazing derby against St Helens in the process. I was then asked if I could attend the London Broncos game in Barnet on the 5th July, to do the match report for the website for the first time, to say that I was nervous was putting it mildly!
My match report was successfully put on the website along with my article on CoachShaun Wane’s after match press conference, so it was a great day out for me and one in which I learnt an immense amount from.
Responsibilities
In the weeks after the London game, I attended numerous press conferences with the Warriors staff, created numerous articles for the website, and contributed more to the ‘True Warrior’ match day programme.
I have since been asked to cover first team matches against Hull FC, and the Salford Red Devils at the DW Stadium, in addition to the away fixture against the Bradford Bulls at the historic Odsal Provident Stadium.
I have also created match reports and after match reaction articles for the under 19’s academy side at the Huddersfield Giants, Hull Kingston Rovers and the Widnes Vikings away fixtures.
I am extremely lucky to have been given this fantastic opportunity to work at one of the biggest, if not the biggest name in Rugby League, where I have met some amazing people and gained some great experience. I hope this role is something I can continue in the future as I have loved every single second.
