He was known as Billy Whizz for the mesmerising way he used to run rings around defences. People would come from far and wide to witness the livewire Jason Robinson in his pomp with Wigan.
And then he went on to dazzle the rugby union world, too. So when the dual-code former England star says current Wigan flier Jai Field is ‘worth the admission money alone’ in Saturday’s Betfred Challenge Cup final, you sit up and take note.
Elusive Australian full-back Field is streaking ahead in the Man of Steel leaderboard after a catalogue of brilliant, eye-catching performances. It is little wonder he is favourite to win the Lance Todd Trophy as man-of-the-match against Huddersfield at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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With the electric Bevan French ripping up sides, too, Matty Peet’s Wigan are the highest scorers in Super League. Under Adrian Lam last year, they were the LOWEST average scorers with even relegated Leigh going better.
Robinson, who won the Challenge Cup with Wigan three times, admitted: “It is a contrast as last year they went within themselves. They disappointed as, from an attacking point of view, it certainly wasn’t the Wigan I’ve known for years.
“Jai Field? Deary me. He’s done some absolutely amazing things. It’s worth the admission money alone just going to watch him at the moment as he is on fire.
“But that’s what we want to see. If you play for Wigan, you know the history of the club and who’s gone before you and that’s huge. I remember joining and Martin Offiah was there and you’d see all the references to the Billy Bostons of this world and people like that.
“They are just known for scoring and changing games. And Wigan have certainly got some game-changers this season. I’m really looking forward to the final.”
That said, Huddersfield aren’t short of match-winners either with in-form full-back Tui Lolohea and England winger Jermaine McGillvary. Wigan are clear 4/11 favourites but Robinson - who played more than 300 times for the club - admitted: “Wigan will be wary about not being too complacent.
“We got too complacent in ‘98 and got beat by Sheffield Eagles so you never go to a Challenge Cup final doing that. I’m sure Huddersfield will be itching and raring to get out there and create history of their own.
“They beat Wigan in Super League last week. I know there was a shuffle around in the teams for that but it really will be interesting on Saturday.”
While no club has won more than Wigan’s 19 Cup glories, Huddersfield are on a barren streak and have not lifted the trophy since 1953. But Robinson, 47, said: “I live in Huddersfield and the town is on a high at the moment.
“As well as Giants being in London, Town are at Wembley for the Championship play-off final on Sunday. Giants have some good players and it’ll be a huge weekend for the town.
“I love Wembley but for those fans and players who are going to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium I think they will really enjoy that ground. They’ll be hoping for some silverware. Imagine if they could both do it?”
Robinson, who in his RLWC2021 ambassador role has recently been visiting amateur clubs who’ve benefited from National Lottery funding, is quick to answer when recalling his own favourite Challenge Cup moment.
“It has to be ‘95, playing against Leeds, my hometown team who I always wanted to play for,” he said. "I scored two tries, got man of the match, we won and it couldn’t have gone any better.
“The Challenge Cup is steeped in history and I do love it. It’s a great day out.”
- The National Lottery is an official partner of this year’s Rugby League World Cup. The partnership includes National Lottery players providing £750,000 of vital financial support to communities across England through the RLWC21 CreatedBy Grants Programme.
