Back in pre-season training and Wigan Warriors Head Physiotherapist Tom O’Malley believes the first team squad are “upbeat, enthusiastic and motivated” ahead of 2019.
Formerly of Sale Sharks RU and Sheffield United FC, O’Malley leads the Club’s team of physiotherapists who are tasked with assisting players’ recovery following a game whilst also helping players recover from injury through treatment and rehabilitation.
It’s not just in the playing staff where the Warriors have seen some departures, with a few familiar faces leaving during the off-season in the coaching staff. On this, O’Malley said, “There were great opportunities available for the staff that left, in terms of Shaun Wane and Mark Bitcon, who have gone on to great roles. I think the people left here are all ready to step up. I’ll be taking more responsibility with the overall medical side of the club with Brooksy [Prof Chris Brookes], the PJ [Paul Johnson] working on the Strength and Conditioning side of things.
He continued, “Really that relationship between myself and PJ will be key in terms of making sure we cover all bases for players and hit every performance measure that we want to. Everyone has stepped up and it’s a good feel among the staff and all very positive.”
As is always the case in a Wigan pre-season schedule, the squad will be taking part in an intense training camp away from their usual surroundings, something that O’Malley is very excited about. He said, “It’s looking really good. We are holding back a bit of detail from the boys because we kind of want them going in feeling a little apprehensive. The one last year was excellent [In Wales] and Red Bull looked after us from a facilities point of view.”