Proper Wigan Warriors Opening up about overcoming nerves in the Grand Final, Tyler Dupree
In the greatest game of his career, Tyler Dupree said his Wigan Warriors teammates helped him overcome his constant anxiety.
The Halifax native served as the starting prop in a brawl at Old Trafford, which helped Wigan defeat Catalans Dragons 10-2 in the Grand Final.
Prior to the Super League championship game, Dupree, who began the previous season playing in the Championship for Widnes Vikings, benefited from opportune pep words.
“It was mental,” he said on his first Old Trafford experience.
“I suffer bad with nerves so I was a bit shaky before the whistle went. I did feel a bit sick before the game. I don’t like anyone talking to me.
“Once I heard the whistle, it was time to work and I didn’t think about the nerves.
“The lads rallied around me and told me that this is what I’m here for. Kai (Pearce-Paul) said these are the games you play when you come to Wigan.
“They know I struggle with nerves and have taken me under their wing. I want to give a shout out to people like Mike Cooper. He didn’t play but I told him he’s been massive for me since I came here. He’s been in my ear telling me how to take it in.”
Dupree has had to rebuild his confidence after being discarded by boyhood club Leeds Rhinos in 2020.
The powerful front-rower started again in the Championship with Oldham and Widnes before being handed a Super League lifeline by Salford Red Devils in May 2022.
Such was Dupree’s impact at the AJ Bell Stadium, Salford demanded a club-record transfer fee when Wigan came calling.
Dupree has yet to taste defeat since joining the Warriors, with his ninth win in a row ensuring he ended the season as a double winner.
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