Patrick Mago: Wigan powerhouse reveals his World Cup ambitions

Josh McAllister
Patrick Mago

Wigan’s powerhouse prop Patrick Mago has revealed that he has one eye on the World Cup with Samoa at the end of the year.

Mago was born in New Zealand but qualifies for Samoa through heritage. He moved to Australia at a young age, and played his junior rugby league for Souths Logan Magpies.

He went on to join Canberra Raiders before making his NRL debut with North Queensland Cowboys in 2017.

The 27-year-old also represented Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney before making the switch to Super League with Wigan.

Speaking during Wigan’s pre-match press conference, the forward expressed an interest in earning his first call up for Samoa.

He said: “It’s definitely a goal for me if I ever did get that opportunity. But I guess if I just do what I can for Wigan and play some good footy here. It would definitely put me in talks with Samoa.

“That’s obviously at the end of the year. I’m trying not to think about it too much, if it happens, it happens.

“It would be good to represent my parents and my whole family.”

Patrick Mago on life in Wigan

Wigan face Hull on Friday at the DW Stadium in the Super League. Mago has enjoyed a successful start to life in the UK, winning seven games out of eight in league and cup. 

“I’m enjoying myself over here,” Mago said. “The boys are good, loving the people as well. Winning games helps as well. It’s good.

“I’ve been enjoying it. Matty and all the coaching staff have told me to play the way that I’m comfortable playing.

“They just let me do what I’m able to do and I’ve been enjoying my footy and hopefully what I can do offers a bit to the team and we can just keep winning games.”

PLAY: Our free Fantasy Rugby League competition is back for 2022