In The West Wing, Toby Ziegler once said, “They’ll like us when we win!”While the line was about justifying another war in the show, the sentiment likely resonates with the Lions’ head coach.
Andy Farrell has been called a winner throughout his career—and that has mostly held true (unless you count Ireland’s struggle to advance beyond World Cup quarter-finals; no single person, no matter how exceptional, can resolve such a long-standing hurdle). With the series already decided, some anticipated an unconventional lineup for the Lions in this final match. But expecting that would mean misunderstanding Farrell’s approach.
During his 13-year tenure as a player at Wigan, Farrell secured 15 trophies, contributing to the team’s dominance in rugby league from the 1980s. A major factor in their success was the culture at his hometown club. Rugby league wasn’t entirely professional then, with players often needing additional income. Wigan changed that, shifting to full professionalism in the 1980s—ushering in an era where they dominated the sport relentlessly. Few other teams had the resources, determination, or stubbornness to match them.
Was it fair? That’s up for debate. Was it enjoyable for others? As someone outside Wigan, it certainly wasn’t. Was it successful? Without a doubt.
That same relentless attitude will soon reach Sydney, because after all—they’ll like us when we win.
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