Written by Oliver Kellner-Dunk
English International and Super League champion Oliver Gildart is one of the top up and coming Super League stars, who grew up wishing to play for Wigan like his Father, former Wigan, Wakefield and Oldham player Ian Gildart.
“It was defiantly a dream of mine to play for Wigan and we’ve also [Ian and Oliver] managed to both win a World Club Challenge which is something to be proud of,” Gildart told Everything Rugby League.
While Gildart came through the ranks at Wigan and would eventually play for the club, his career would initiate with loan spells at Workington Town and Salford, the centre believes the stint at Salford was crucial to his development.
“The loan period at Salford especially was beneficial as it was a proper step up for me.
“Playing Super League against men something you can’t really get playing in the academy I loved my time there.”
At just 23-years-old Gildart is already a two time Super League champion and a World Club Challenge winner.
He has reflected on these milestones and cherishes them all equally for different reasons.
“Hard to chose one. My first was really special and I scored that game which made it so much better,
“But my second grand final win I soaked it in a lot more and it was a big one because we had certain players/good friends of mine leaving that year plus Shaun Wane, it was his last game for the club and was great to send him off with what he deserved.”
6 months since I last played a game. Missing it 😔 Can’t wait to be back out there 🙌 pic.twitter.com/sHKvxNemL2
— Oliver Gildart (@OliverGildart3) April 29, 2020
“Again, another proud moment for me was winning the young player of the year.
“Not many people can say they’ve done it and there are some great names of players who have also won and gone on to have great careers.”
Gildart would make his English National team debut in 2018 and holds one series above all else in his favourite moments while playing for the nation thus far.
“The best feeling I’ve had was representing England against NZ. It is something as a kid I’ve always dreamed of doing and to win the series 2-1 made it that bit more special.”
Lately, the NRL have been snapping up Super League talent and Wigan players in particular with the likes of John Bateman and George Williams currently at the Raiders.
At just 23-years-old, Gildart still has plenty of time to make it in the Australian competition and has given his thoughts on potentially doing so one day.
“I would love to have a go in the NRL and test my self over there.
“Again, something I’ve dreamed of doing from being a young lad.”
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