WIGAN coach Matt Peet says Chelsea have made a great call by luring Willie Isa to Stamford Bridge.
The 36-year-old former NRL and Samoa centre or backrow has transferred from Rugby League to football by taking a player support and development role at the Premier League club.
New Zealand-born Isa negotiated a release from a one-year Warriors contract extension signed in October to swap sports.
He is working closely with Chelsea’s head of men’s operations and welfare Kevin Campello in a job which includes player co-ordination around training, matches and other club-linked activities.
The ex-Penrith Panthers, Melbourne Storm, Castleford and Widnes player, who was praised for his leadership skills and mentoring ability, contributed to four Wigan Super League title triumphs, two of them under Peet.
And the team chief told The Athletic: “I don’t expect the supporters to ever physically see the impact Willie has at Chelsea.
“But he is a cultural architect. He will make the environment better and all the individuals around the environment better.
“Ignore the different shape of the ball that he is associated with. Willie’s skill set is all about high-performing teams, leadership and dealing with people.
“Everyone at Wigan and in Rugby League understands why Chelsea have made this move. It’s intelligent.”
While Chelsea won the Champions League in 2021, they have since undergone a squad overhaul under the ownership of American businessman Todd Boehly and US private equity firm Clearlake.
Now managed by Italian Enzo Maresca, they stared this season strongly but results have become more inconsistent in recent months.
