# Willie Isa

Willie Isa (born 1 January 1989) is a retired Samoa international rugby league footballer who played as a centre or winger for Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League, and the Castleford Tigers, Widnes Vikings, and Wigan Warriors in the Super League.
On 23 January 2025, Isa announced his retirement from playing with immediate effect due to medical reasons. Following retirement, he moved to Chelsea F.C. as a Player Support and Development Officer.

## Background

Isa was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and moved to Sydney, New South Wales, Australia as a 1-year-old. Isa was educated at St Dominic's College, Penrith.
He played his junior rugby league for the St Mary's Saints before being signed by the Penrith Panthers.

## Career

Isa previously played one NRL match for the Penrith Panthers, called up unexpectedly at half-time in a NYC game to replace an injured player.
Isa was signed by Melbourne for the 2009 NRL season and he was compared to the Storm's former star player, Israel Folau.
He was selected in the Samoan squad in 2010.
On 16 December 2010, it was announced that Isa had signed for Castleford on a 12-month contract, Castleford coach Terry Matterson referred to this signing as being similar to that of Rangi Chase
Isa signed for Widnes for the 2012 Season.
In 2012, Widnes fan, David Quayle created a Facebook page on Isa, stating that if Isa was to score; the Widnes fans would riot. Despite popularity on Facebook, no fans rioted when Isa scored his first (and second) Widnes try against Hull F.C. in a 42–16 win.
In 2013, Isa found a new position, that position of second row transformed him into one of the form players of the super league. On 16 May 2014, Isa was the 9th player in as many weeks to sign a new contract and stay with the Vikings. He signed a new two-year deal.
On 29 September 2015, it was announced that Isa had signed a two-year contract with an option for a 3rd year with Wigan starting in 2016.
Isa played in the 2016 Super League Grand Final victory over the Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford.
Isa played in the 2017 Challenge Cup Final defeat by Hull F.C. at Wembley Stadium.
Isa played in the 2020 Super League Grand Final which Wigan lost 8–4 against St Helens.
In round 20 of the 2021 Super League season, Isa was sent to the sin bin and placed on report for another incident in Wigan's 26–2 loss against St Helens.
Isa played 22 games for Wigan in the 2022 Super League season. Isa did not feature in the clubs 2022 Challenge Cup Final victory over Huddersfield.
On 14 October 2023, Isa played in Wigan's 2023 Super League Grand Final victory over the Catalans Dragons. In the post match celebrations, Sky Sports presenter Brian Carney described Isa as a "junkyard dog".
On 24 February 2024, Isa played in Wigan's 2024 World Club Challenge final victory over Penrith.
In October 2024, he signed a one-year contract extension with Wigan. On 23 January 2025, Isa announced his retirement from rugby league mere months after signing an extension.

## Honours
### Melbourne Storm

* NRL
** Winners (1): 2009
* World Club Challenge
** Winners (1): 2010
NB: Both these honours were stripped from Melbourne due to the Melbourne Storm salary cap breach

### Wigan Warriors

* Super League
** Winners (4): 2016, 2018, 2023, 2024
* League Leaders' Shield
** Winners (3): 2020, 2023, 2024
* Challenge Cup
** Winners (1): 2022
* World Club Challenge
** Winners (2): 2017, 2024