Mossop marks Wigan debut with try
Last updated 14:00, Thursday, 24 April 2008
WHITEHAVEN teenager Lee Mossop marked his Wigan first-team debut with a Challenge Cup try against French outfit Pia at the weekend – and avoided a naked lap around the JJB.
“It doesn’t matter how many games you play, if you don’t score during the season you have to do a naked lap of the pitch,” he said.
“A lot were taking the mick, saying I’d better get one in. Before I got the try I’d pushed up and expected someone to come in from the side and hit me, but there was no one there.
“I just thought I would go for it, and I’ve now got it out of the way. It’s one less thing to worry about.”
The ex-Hensingham junior had been told by boss Brian Noble that he was one of three youngsters in contention for two places on the bench for the fourth round tie.
Though it was only when he arrived at the JJB ahead of Sunday’s game that he realised he was to don the famous cherry-and-white jersey.
“I’m still in shock,” said Mossop. “I couldn’t believe it when called up. With George Carmont getting injured, I got on quite early and ended up playing about 65 minutes.
“Brian Noble told me not to worry, that I was good enough to be in the team and just to do what I’d done when he watched me week-in, week-out.”
Wigan fielded a strong side, including all their available star names, and beat the French outfit 74-4.
“I don’t think I was playing because it was Pia,” he said. “Brian Noble doesn’t take any chances.
“We had a few injuries and that was the strongest team he could pick. He would have picked the same team if we had been playing St Helens or Bradford.
“He didn’t say much after the game, but Trent Barrett, Sean O’Loughlin and the other lads said I did well, and that was good enough for me. I’m just happy to get my debut out of the way, and I can focus on getting more action now.”
