A tribute to Tom Olbison – 100 Super League games
Tom Olbison is very much an underrated player in Super League and is set make his 100th appearance in the top-flight this weekend.
The 26-year-old joined Widnes Vikings from Bradford Bulls for the 2017 season and made 26 appearances for the club last season and helped them narrowly avoid relegation.
He came through the Academy at the Bulls and became a fan favourite at Odsal, playing nearly 150 games for the club, scoring 19 tries.
And if Olbison does play in Widnes’ opening Super League fixture against Catalans Dragons on Sunday, he will play his 100th game in the top-tier.
He was quite surprised of the upcoming milestone.
“The milestone is a good personal achievement for me,” Olbison said.
“To be honest, I hadn’t realised because the appearances sort of tick along, so I’m happy to know about it!
“Obviously, results didn’t go our way last year, but for personally, getting back into the Super League and being involved a lot was good. I’m looking to push on this year.”
Widnes host the Dragons at the Halton Stadium on Sunday, 3pm kick-off, in their first competitive game of 2018.
On the game, Olbison said: “Looking at how the season ended last year, with them finishing in the Million Pound Game, I’m sure they’re going to be fired up.
“It will be a tough contest, so I am really looking forward to it.”
The back-rower probably doesn’t get the recognition or credit he deserves. He works hard for his team and gets through a lot of work in defence.
A former England Academy international, he has still certainly got a good future in the to-flight and don’t be surprised if we see him reach 200 games in Super League before the end of his career. A solid player.