Abbas Miski: Patience pays off for Wigan Warriors’ top try-scorer as Super League Grand Final looms

Abbas Miski scored 19 tries in seven appearances when he crossed for Wigan Warriors in their 42-12 win over Hull KR in the Betfred Super League play-off semi-final; after starting the year on loan with the London Broncos, the Lebanese international has a Grand Final in sight

Abbas Miski celebrates a try in Wigan’s semi-final win over Hull KR

When he began the 2023 season playing on loan at Betfred Championship side London Broncos in a 33-22 defeat to Keighley Cougars, Abbas Miski could hardly have imagined what was to unfold in the months to come.

Now the Lebanese international is looking forward to the Betfred Super League Grand Final after a record 27 tries during the regular season and another in Saturday’s 42-12 semi-final win over Hull Kingston Rovers. game.

But Miski never had it easy. He bounced around the North Sydney Bears, Wentworthville Magpies and Blacktown Workers in Australian rugby before enjoying a six-game stint with the Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL in 2020, scoring two tries.

The following year he decided to move to this side of the globe and caught the eye of Wigan with 18 tries in 21 games for the Broncos that season, but he had to be patient last year and early in this year before seizing his opportunity. It’s one the 28-year-old is determined not to let go of either.

“It’s the story of my life – sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s not so good, but I love the fight,” Miski said. Aerial sports.

“This has happened throughout my career and I have always felt that my place is never solidified. I have to continue to play well and enjoy my time with the boys.

“I started the year playing in London and now we’re at Old Trafford. It’s great.”

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Highlights of Wigan Warriors v Hull KR in their Super League play-off semi-final at the DW Stadium

It was opposing winger Liam Marshall who stole the show at the DW Stadium in the play-off semi-final, marking his 150th Wigan appearance with a hat-trick of tries after running in 20 during the regular season, although Miski’s second-half result against Hull KR saw him score an incredible 19 tries in his last seven appearances.

The Warriors’ wide duo have both benefited from the distribution skills of Bevan French, Jai Field and Harry Smith to create their scoring opportunities this year, and Miski believes the trust that head coach Matt Peet has built between the players is at the origin of their success. This year.

“This week, before the game and during halftime, the emphasis was on trusting each other,” Miski said.

“That’s what we’ve been reminded of all week and throughout the season, and we definitely have that confidence.

That’s the story of my life – sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s not so good, but I love the fight.

Abbas Miski

“It’s not just words, we trust each other and if someone is wrong we support them.”

Wigan already have the League Leaders’ Shield in the bag after finishing top of the Super League table in the regular season and now have their sights set on winning the main prize for the first time since 2018.

The Catalans Dragons stand in their way at Old Trafford following Friday’s 12-6 home win over reigning champions St Helens in the other semi-final, and Miski is excited at the prospect of taking part in the one of the biggest stages in rugby league on October 14.

“I feel so good and I can’t imagine how it’s going to feel (at the Grand Final),” Miski said. “It was a very good performance from us.

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Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet believes it will be a very different game against the Catalans Dragons after his side reached the Grand Final following their defeat to Hull KR.

“We really wanted an 80-minute performance and Hull KR are a big team so to score so many tries is great from us and hopefully we can do the same next week.”

Watch the Betfred Super League Grand Final between Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons live Aerial sports on Saturday October 14 (kick-off at 6 p.m.). Also stream with NOW.