Patrick Mago opens up on how Wigan Warriors "turned around" season

New Zealander prop, Patrick Mago, 29, has been at the heart of club's march to the League Leaders' Shield and now they're out to retain Super League title

Patrick Mago insists Wigan have battled against the odds to retain the League Leaders’ Shield.

The menacing prop was at his destructive best as they walloped Salford 64-0 to secure top spot last night. The defending champions are now just 80 minutes from another Old Trafford appearance. And Aucklander Mago, 29, said: “It’s a good achievement for us as a team.

“I’m glad we could come away with the win and it just shows how we’ve played throughout the year. We’ve had some injuries, a few bans and to still come out on top is credit to all the boys, staff and everyone behind the scenes how we turned it around.”

Mago, who has already claimed the World Club Challenge and Challenge Cup this term, is a big crowd favourite at Wigan who chant his name to the beat of Status Quo’s Rockin All Over The World.

He said: “I am loving it here. I’ve really made Wigan my home. It’s my third year here, I've got another two and I’m just blessed to be part of this team and town. The fans are crazy.

"All the other boys have songs, too, and it gets you through those hard periods. It gives us real energy. The support’s great week in, week out. It was good to lift the League Leaders’ Shield at home this time as we did it at Leigh last year. It was so much more special doing it here on home soil.”