BY JOHN DAVIDSON
“I owe her everything.”
Sam Walters has been one of the shining lights in Wigan Warriors’ pursuit of a historic three-peat. And as Wigan ready for Saturday’s Super League decider, the giant second-rower has opened up about his special bond with his mother.
Born in Liverpool at the turn of the century, Walters grew up in Widnes with his mother and older sister. Raised by a single mother, the forward didn’t have it easy in the working-class town.
It was his mother who would drive him to and from every training session, every game, who was always there to support him on his journey in rugby league. Watching on the sidelines, cooking his meals, washing his kit, and encouraging. From the very start at Halton Farnworth Hornets, to the Widnes academy and on to Leeds and now to Wigan, she has been a rock for him all the way.
“My mum’s as tough as they come,” Walters tells rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads.
“She drove me up and down the country. She’s been my number one fan no matter where it is.
“I owe her everything. Obviously I’m a big lad as well, not a cheap food bill, so I really do appreciate everything she’s done for me.”
At 2.01Â metres and 110Â kilograms, Walters has always had the size and frame for professional sport. But from debuting for the Rhinos in 2020, to joining Wigan in 2024, he has had to scrap and fight for game-time amongst fearsome forward packs at two big clubs.
“We’ve got great depth,” Walters says.
“You look at the boys who aren’t playing – Harvie [Hill and Tyler [Dupree] – whenever they come in and do well. It just shows the depth that we have, right across the board.
“Look at Jack Farrimond as well and all the young boys coming through. So the club’s in good stead and the competition is always nice.”
That hard work is paying off after a dominant performance against Leigh. Now the 24-year-old is readying for a grand final.
He missed out on the Warriors’ success at Old Trafford last year, and tasted defeat with Leeds at the same arena three years ago.
“I was an 18th man last year. I played for Leeds against Saints [in the 2022 grand final],” he explains.
“But hopefully I play this year and I want to play on the biggest stage. I feel like I’ve had a positive season, despite some injuries. It would be nice to top it off with a grand final.”
This season the second-rower has made his mark with 19 appearances, despite missing a large part of the campaign with a fractured fibula.
“My first year at Wigan was not tough – I really enjoyed it, but just trying to find a bit of form on the back on injury, when you move to a new club it’s not obviously ideal,” Walters says.
“But I’ve hit the ground running this season, with a good pre-season and building on my performances. I’m getting a fair crack from the coaches and I’m enjoying my rugby at the moment.
“I’ve moved to Wigan [to live], this is my home now, I’m settled here and the club’s like a family. Obviously coming into a new environment, I’ve been welcomed with open arms and I appreciate it.”
Wigan CEO Kris Radlinski speaks highly of the impact Walters has made on the club.
“He’s just a wonderful lad to work with,” Radlinski says.
“He’s developed into one of the best professionals we have at the club. Deeply dedicated to his craft and wanted to maximise his potential.
“He is calm and composed in his approach and could develop into a future leader.”
Former Great Britain international Terry O’Connor has known Walters for nearly 20 years and echoes Radlinksi’s sentiments. Some view the forward as a future England star.
While Walters was helping the Warriors defeat Leigh last weekend at the Brick Community Stadium, watching proudly was his mother in the stands. Unsurprisingly, his inspiration will be there at the grand final as well.
“She was here,” Walters says.
“She comes to every game, even Catalans. So does my missus. I’ve got a small circle coming to the grand final. I try and keep my loved ones close.
“My mum’ll be at Old Trafford and she’s proud of me no matter what. Hopefully I put a smile on her face on Saturday.”
