Christian Wade made his rugby league debut for Wigan Warriors on Friday night and the ex-union international has given his verdict, praising the fans and explaining it was an environment like none other he’d experienced in his club career.
Wade arrived at the end of the rugby union season, with league becoming the third sport he has tried his hand at professionally after previously making a switch to the NFL.
An England representative in the 15-man code, it’s taken some adjusting for the winger to get used to rugby league but after a handful of appearances for the reserves, he was handed his debut on Friday night.
Early doors, it looked like it might be too early with the winger going through a true trial by fire as he made errors and Huddersfield took an unexpected 10-0 lead in at half-time.
The second 40 was far more comfortable as Wigan turned it on, running in five tries including one for Wade, as they won 30-10 and moved within two points of Hull KR at the top of Super League.
What Christian Wade said about his Wigan Warriors’ debut
An early knock-on and an incorrect play the ball were quickly forgotten when Wade crossed over to score what could be the first of many tries, and the 34-year-old will certainly hope so.
He spoke post-match to club media about his debut with the fans at the Brick Community Stadium coming in for huge praise.
“It was incredible, just running out for the warm-up and seeing the fans going crazy. It’s a different feeling,” Wade explained.
“I have experienced that but for a club match, it was a different energy. It’s hard to explain but I loved it from the warm up to us running around and giving the crowd energy.”
Moving onto the atmosphere during the game, he said: “Obviously when we were in the game as well, it was electric. It’s an intense environment, it’s different, I’m ecstatic!
“There are so many words that are coming into my head, I’m just so happy that we were able to get the win in the fashion that we did.”
With Liam Marshall and Abbas Miski both missing the win on Friday, there could be a chance for Wade to establish himself and get a run of games in the team with Hull FC next up for the Cherry and Whites.
