08 September 2023 , 19:06
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Liam Marshall admits Wigan now have a target on their head - and he’s loving it.
The prolific winger has 19 tries in 24 appearances this season, a tally he’ll aim to increase when Matty Peet's side visit Leeds on Saturday afternoon. In-form Warriors are firmly in the mix for the League Leaders’ Shield after ousting long-time frontrunners Catalans with a stunning 34-0 win in Perpignan a fortnight ago. They backed that up with a comfortable 26-8 victory over Salford and are now aiming for a seventh straight Super League triumph.
Ahead of this round, Wigan, Catalans and champions St Helens were all locked on 34 points with just three games to go in one of the tightest campaigns in recent history.
Marshall, who made his England debut against Fiji last year after scoring the match-winning try in the Challenge Cup final, told Mirror Sport: “It’s been good to get to the top. We’ve been chasing it all year but the hard work really starts now.
“We know there’s a target on our heads and everyone wants to knock each other off. But it’d be nice to crack on and get the League Leaders’ Shield. We’re up against a very hungry Leeds side, though, and that’s our priority for now.”
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He would, though, love nothing better than ending Saints’ four-year stranglehold on the Super League title. Marshall, 27, said: “It’d be really good to go all the way. I was in and around the Wigan ‘'18 team that won but unfortunately got injured so missed the Grand Final. It’s one I want to tick off but we’re not getting carried away. Hopefully we can finish top and then head into the play-offs.”
Wigan's Liam Marshall celebrates scoring another try this season (PA) (PA)Having missed out on World Cup selection last year, Marshall has certainly put his best foot forward in 2023. He added: “I feel I’ve done OK. I had a few niggly injuries at the beginning part of the season but in the last month I’ve got myself feeling pretty fit and contributing how I want. We’ve been playing some good rugby and, as a winger, you benefit.”
Meanwhile, after giving Super League defences sleepless nights, he’s set for some of his own. Marshall said: “My wife Meg’s expecting in February. Both my brothers have kids so I’ve had lots of practice as an uncle. But you can give them back at the end of the day! It’s exciting and I reckon I’ll be fine - although it’ll probably be ten times harder now!”