The case of the pupil becoming the master as Willie Isa and Danny Walker go head-to-head in Stefan Ratchford’s testimonial match

Speaking on The Rugby League Review podcast, Wigan Warriors Willie Isa revealed during his time at Widnes Vikings from 2012 to 2015, he would help out coaching the scholarship players.

The now 33-year-old would train the younger players in a team that included a 14-year old Danny Walker who now plays for Warrington Wolves.

“I got into coaching the scholarships when Phil Finney, who is the CEO now, but at the time he was head of the academy. He told me to come down and help out, so I agreed to and funnily enough my first group was Danny’s [Walker].”

After coming through the Widnes academy set up, Walker made his Super League debut in 2017 against Leigh Centurions before moving to his hometown club in 2019, having turned down the Wolves twice at 14 and 16. Isa reflected on the first time he met Walker.

“I can remember he was a small lad but he was really strong, he always worked hard and his work ethic was second to none like it was natural to him, but like probably every coach, when you look at someone and their size they would say they are not too sure on him and you write them off, but that was never the case for Danny [Walker].

“I loved the fact that Phil [Finney] and the club always got the players that Warrington, Wigan and St Helens let go, but when given the opportunity you have to take them and that is what Danny [Walker] did and look where he is today.”

The pair remember the wrestling sessions they used to do in training, and from those sessions, Isa knew Walker had a bright future ahead of him and is not at all surprised at how well the 22-year old is doing at Warrington.

“When we started the wrestling sessions, Danny [Walker] would always try to ‘get on his toes’ to reach other players bigger than him. I told him do not go to them, let them come to you and then you can control them.

“When his move to Warrington was announced, I thought it was the progression he needed in his career. He is a great player for Warrington, I think he is the future. He is electric from dummy half and has great guidance playing with Daryl Clark, the pair complement each other very well”.

When asked on the podcast if it was a case of the pupil now becoming the master, Isa laughed and said “I don’t think you would be wrong if you said that.”

Even when Isa coached him at the young age of 14, Walker remembers the training sessions very well and the impact the Samoan international had on his development. He has nothing but praise for the Wigan Warriors man.

“I remember Willie [Isa] throwing us around as young lads, showing us different techniques on the wrestling mats. He had a massive impact on me personally, the way he gave back to the young lads and being willing to help and teach us.

“It stayed with me because now I also enjoy giving back to the younger lads too, and helping their development because I know how much it can mean to them as it did with me and the lads at Widnes.”

On Saturday evening, the two are set to collide at the Halliwell Jones Stadium as Warrington take on Wigan in Stefan Ratchford’s testimonial game.

It will be the first outing for both sides following a long hard pre-season. With both teams having new Head Coaches this campaign, it provides the opportunity for them to see the quality they have in the squads. Both Isa and Walker will be looking to impress with the 2022 season less than two weeks away.

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