Wigan Warriors’ Junior Nsemba on his toughest opponent ahead of Wembley
Rampaging teenage forward, 19, explains just who can cut him down to size as he prepares to face Warrington Wolves in Challenge Cup final
Junior Nsemba, the towering second-row player for Wigan Warriors, is gearing up to face Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley. Despite his dominating presence on the field, Nsemba reveals that his toughest opponent might just be his own mother. Standing at an impressive six foot five inches, Nsemba has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the Super League. However, he admits that his mother’s feedback adds a unique pressure to his performance.
As he shares, “I do rise to the challenge, but I feel like I put a bit too much pressure on myself. My mum is always telling me how it is: she’ll tell me if I’ve had a bad game, she’ll tell me she doesn’t want to come watch any crap! There’s a bit of pressure from her. But I like hearing it.” While his mother provides honest critiques, Nsemba acknowledges that his father is more reserved in his feedback.
Despite his Cameroonian heritage, Nsemba was born and raised in Wigan, where he is well aware of the club’s rich Cup heritage. As he heads to Wembley for the first time to compete in the final, Nsemba reflects on his journey and the support he has received from his family and mentors. With only 30 senior games under his belt, Nsemba has already proven to be a key player for Wigan Warriors, especially after stepping up when veteran Willie Isa was sidelined due to injury.
Looking ahead to the Challenge Cup final, Nsemba remains focused on giving his all and embracing the experience. He acknowledges the strengths of the Warrington Wolves but is determined to put forth a stellar performance alongside his teammates. As he expresses, “Saturday’s a big occasion and it’s great to get there. Warrington have strengths all over but we’ll give 100 percent. It’d mean a lot if we could do it.”
In a sport where physicality and skill are paramount, Junior Nsemba’s journey to Wembley is not just about winning a trophy but also about the dedication, hard work, and support that have shaped him into the player he is today. As he faces his toughest opponent yet, both on and off the field, Nsemba’s determination and passion for the game shine through.