Joe Philbin: Return of fans will “mean so much” to players

James Messenger

Joe Philbin returns for Warrington

Joe Philbin admits the return of fans to stadiums across the country will be a major sign that life is starting to return to normal. 

It has been 14 months since supporters were last allowed inside grounds to watch a Super League game.

However, as announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as part of England’s roadmap out of lockdown, up to 4,000 fans will be able to attend matches in grounds that have a capacity below 40,000.

Five Super League games and two Championship matches have been scheduled for Monday night to enable a small numbers of supporters to watch the action live.

Warrington welcome Huddersfield to the Halliwell Jones Stadium in the first televised Super League clash in front of supporters since Castleford’s 28-14 victory over St Helens back in March 2020.

Warrington prop Philbin, who committed his long-term future to the club earlier this year, is excited for the return of fans, albeit in limited numbers.

READ: Good attitude and a positive mindset: Joe Philbin’s rise to the top

He said: “With the fans coming back, it’ll mean so much to us players.

“People have missed out on so much… it’s like the return of life going back to normal.

“We’ll really celebrate it, and it’ll probably bring out the best in us as players as well.

“Now the fans are back, 4,000 will feel like 40,000.

“4,000 people can make a lot of noise, and we’re banking on [the fans to] make it a big atmosphere for the game with Huddersfield.”

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