Super League: NZ legend inspires Pacific athletes to consider playing abroad

Willie Poching, the first Sāmoan to coach a top-grade rugby league club, encourages young Pasifika players to consider opportunities abroad.

With a career spanning over 25 years in England’s Super League, Poching’s journey from New Zealand to the United Kingdom is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and seizing opportunities.

Today, he champions the Super League as a viable pathway for Pacific athletes to extend their careers and thrive in a new environment.

Journey to England

Poching’s journey to England began after his last season in the NRL with the St George Illawara Dragons.

Upon arrival, the 256-game veteran faced visa issues that required him to play in the Super League’s second division.

"I had to go back and play for Hunslet, get a visa, and then fortunately Wakefield got promoted to Super League,” he says.

“I had to go backwards in order to go forward, like alright I'm going to get a Super League contract, and that's when things sort of took a turn for me."

The approach secured his place in the Super League and laid the foundation for a storied career, which included winning the 2004 Super League Grand Final with the Leeds Rhinos.

For young Pacific athletes considering a move to England, Poching is fully supportive.

"100 per cent it is a pathway," he says. "It’s an opportunity to prolong a professional career. The NRL is vicious, it's ruthless, and there's that many young fellas coming through that clubs aren't afraid to move players on, even at 23, 24, maybe even before that.

“If you're still aspiring to be a professional rugby league player and make a living, then Super League is a viable option."

Poching also highlights the lifestyle benefits of playing in England. "You go away, you live in Europe, you're in the gateway to Europe to travel, (and) earn a good living.”

He gives an example of the success of players like Isaiah Vangana, who went from a train-and-play contract in New Zealand to signing a three-year deal with Wakefield in the Super League.

"He’s setting himself up now to do something that was almost taken away from him had he stayed here. The NRL is vicious, it's ruthless, and there's that many young fellas coming through that clubs aren't afraid to move players on, even at 23, 24, maybe even before that."

Watch Papua New Guinea league international Judah Rimbu competing in Super League 2025 below.

However, Poching is quick to caution that moving to England comes with challenges.

"It's a different lifestyle, it's very different. The tax system is different, your bills are different, and your pay is different. (But) players aren't being warned about this, players aren't being told."

He emphasises the importance of being prepared for cultural and logistical adjustments, including monthly paychecks, council taxes, and car insurance.

"I'd love the opportunity to sit down with players before they go across to England to tell the players about things to be aware of."

For those considering the leap, Poching advises approaching the experience with humility and hard work. "If you go over and you feel a sense of entitlement, then I think you're going to struggle.

"Whereas if you go open-minded and you go with the mindset, ‘I'm just going to work hard, I'm going to be the best teammate possible I'm going to be coachable’ then you're going to turn it around and be a success."

Willie Poching became the first Sāmoan head coach for a professional rugby league team. Photo/Wakefield Trinity.

Poching’s career exemplifies what determination and adaptability can achieve.

From his early days at Hunslet to captaining Wakefield Trinity and winning championships with Leeds, he has left an indelible mark on the Super League.

Today, he advocates for young Pacific athletes to follow in his footsteps.

"It was a wonderful life that we had, and I've got no regrets whatsoever," he says. "I encourage anyone to do it."

Poching offers his support to those considering the move. "To anybody that's considering, and I've said this before, and I'll say it publicly now, if anybody wants to have a chat, they can hit me up.

"I'm more than willing to give any piece of advice on going to the UK and going to the Super League or even to the Rugby Football League Championship."