How Byrne got on his bike in bid to become a Wigan star

As a 17-year-old trialist, Liam Byrne was so determined to make it as a professional rugby league player that he would catch the train from his home in Salford to Wigan every day and then cycle the rest of the way to training.

Now aged 22 and midway through a four-year contract with Wigan Warriors, the prop is well on his way to becoming an established Betfred Super League player with 15 appearances in all competitions under his belt already in 2022.

Those efforts are all the more sweeter given Byrne is on the verge of a maiden Betfred Challenge Cup final appearance as Wigan prepare to face Huddersfield Giants on Saturday for the first silverware of the year, and the former Cadishead Rhinos junior is still adopting the same mindset.

"Coming to a club like Wigan, that was what was expected," Byrne told Sky Sports. "If I wanted to make something out of it and really get somewhere and do something with myself, I knew that.

"It was tough, there were some early mornings and late nights getting home, but it was worth it. Even now, we're still all pushing and pushing our standards, and there are still standards we need to meet. I try to carry that on and keep it pretty good.

"You can definitely see it paying off. I had a couple of years in the first team when I first came through and it was always on and off whether I'd be in or not. I still don't take anything for granted and I know nothing is a given to be able to put on that shirt week in, week out.

"There is plenty of competition in the team and if I happen to be on it each week in then I'm happy. Everyone is trying their hardest to get a shirt in training every week, so as long as I keep pushing my standards hopefully that will be okay."

Wigan's history as the most