JUNIOR NSEMBA reckons there’s star potential in young Wigan Warriors winger Austin Daniel after his impressive display helped the side put one hand on the League Leaders’ Shield.
Daniel was called up late in the week for Wigan’s trip to Leeds Rhinos after injuries to Jake Wardle – a calf tear which leaves him touch-and-go for the play-offs – and then intended replacement George O’Loughlin.
With Zach Eckersley moving to centre, Daniel came in out wide, a day after turning 20, for only his fourth senior appearance.
He set up the opening try with a blistering break then scored one of his own in an extraordinary 40-8 victory in the top-of-the-table clash.
His all-round contribution delighted coach Matt Peet and also Nsemba, two years older than Daniel, with the pair having both played junior rugby at Wigan St Judes.
“I’m pretty close with Austin,” said the forward.
“He’s a great bloke in and out of training. He’s really positive. Everyone loves his bubbly energy. I hope he carries on well and fights for a spot in the squad.
“He was getting high balls and dealt with them, and he came up with a nice assist for Adam (Keighran) at the start of the game.
“He’s still got a long way to go to become a star, but he’s going down the right path.”
The Leeds game was Nsemba’s return after two months out with a hamstring injury, and his 100th career appearance, with both marked in style.
“I put it down to the defence,” he said of the emphatic victory.
“We can’t score the tries we do without good defence. You’ve got to earn the right to play, and that comes from the tough stuff.”
“We’re tight as a group and we’re tight on the pitch. We had to stay connected because Leeds are really good at throwing the ball about.
“In a game like that, to keep your feet moving is really tough. It’s a mindset thing. But if everyone is talking, there’s trust that there will be no gaps.
“If you’re doing your job right, you know your teammate is doing their job right too.”
Wigan will secure the Shield with victory at home to Catalans Dragons on Friday.