St Helens winger Lewis Murphy has only played three games in a St Helens shirt after signing in the off-season, but is excited to get his first experience of a derby against Wigan Warriors.
The sides face each other on Good Friday at the Brick Community Stadium, and Murphy is looking forward to playing in his first derby.
The Saints winger had missed the last two months with a serious hamstring tear but returned in the team’s victory against Wakefield Trinity last Friday night.
He did get subbed off in the second half, but head coach Paul Wellens revealed it was only a precaution as it was his first game back from injury.
St Helens winger talks his injury comeback following a hamstring tear
Murphy spoke to Saints TV about playing in his first St Helens and Wigan derby, as well as some special guests who will be there to watch him.
He said: “I’m excited, I think every interview I’ve had, people have spoken about Wigan and Good Friday, so now it’s finally here and I can’t wait.
“It’ll easily be the biggest crowd I’ve played in front of, about 25,000. My mum and grandma will be there, so it’ll be a good occasion.
“These are the games you want to play in, the teams you want to play against.”
Murphy faced his old side, Wakefield, and admitted it was odd to face those whom he’d played alongside for two seasons when he first broke through.
He added:Â “It was a bit weird playing against all my former teammates. Once you’re in the game, you don’t really think about your past relationships with them.
“You just carry on with the game, and it was good to get back to it.”
The St Helens winger said his comeback was all about progress and thanked the physio team at the club for their support and rehab efforts.
He finished: “It was never rushed. We always knew we had to take our time with the injuries I’ve had in the past. I felt no pressure to play. By the end of the week, I felt good and trained well.
