‘Looking Back, Leaving Wigan Warriors Was a Step Up’ – Former Warriors Star Takes Huge Dig at His Old Club with Bold Comments

In a recent candid interview, former Wigan Warriors player Joe Shorrocks opened up about his decision to leave the club, revealing a deep sense of dissatisfaction and frustration during his time with the team. Shorrocks, now flourishing at Salford Red Devils, described his tenure at Wigan as a “torrid time” and explained how he was never truly appreciated or given the opportunity to prove his worth.

Shorrocks, who was once seen as a promising prospect for Wigan Warriors, revealed that despite his dedication and effort during training, he was consistently overlooked on match days. “I always put in my all during training. I gave everything, but it never seemed to be enough,” Shorrocks stated. “It’s hard when you’re working so hard, and the only response you get is being overlooked time and time again. I wasn’t given the chance to show what I could do.”

His frustrations weren’t just with his lack of playing time, but also with the overall treatment he received from the club. Shorrocks claimed he never felt loved or appreciated by either the fans or the management. “It felt like no matter what I did, it was never recognized. I wasn’t part of the inner circle, and that took its toll on me mentally. The support just wasn’t there, and I was constantly questioning my future at the club,” he added.

Since making the switch to Salford Red Devils, Shorrocks has experienced a complete transformation, both on and off the field. “Leaving Wigan was the best decision I ever made,” Shorrocks remarked. “At Salford, I feel valued, I feel like I belong, and most importantly, I play with a smile on my face again. I’ve regained the joy of playing rugby, something I had lost during my time at Wigan.”

The move to Salford has not only brought personal satisfaction but has also led to a marked improvement in his performance. “I’ve become a better player at Salford. The coaching staff believe in me, and I feel that confidence when I step onto the field,” Shorrocks said. “I’ve improved my game far more than I ever could at Wigan. The environment here allows me to express myself, and that’s made a world of difference.”

Shorrocks acknowledged that leaving Wigan, a club with such a storied history, was not an easy decision, but ultimately, it was necessary for his growth as a player. “Of course, leaving Wigan wasn’t easy—they’re a big club with a lot of history. But I had to put myself first and think about my career and my happiness,” he explained. “At Salford, I’ve found a club that is like a family. Everyone works hard for each other, and that camaraderie has helped me reach new levels in my game.”

The former Wigan star is now focused on making the most of his opportunities with Salford, and he believes his new club is on the right path to success. “We have a great team at Salford, and I genuinely believe we’re heading in the right direction. The potential here is massive, and I’m excited to be a part of this journey.”

Despite the positive turn his career has taken at Salford, Shorrocks did reflect on his time at Wigan with a tinge of disappointment. “It’s sad, really, because Wigan is a club that should be getting the best out of their players. But for me, that wasn’t the case. I don’t hold any grudges, but I do think that I was never given a fair chance,” he stated.

His remarks have ignited a strong reaction from fans of both Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils. Many Wigan supporters feel that Shorrocks’ criticism is harsh, especially given the club’s competitive environment. Others, however, sympathize with his situation, acknowledging that some players thrive better in different systems and environments.

As he continues to grow and develop in his new environment, Shorrocks remains focused on his goals, determined to prove that leaving Wigan was, indeed, a step up in his career trajectory. His story serves as a reminder that, sometimes, a change of scenery is exactly what’s needed for a player to thrive.