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gallagher-prime minister
Christian Wade could become the Gallagher PREM record holder this weekend, but he also knows he’s playing to earn a contract with Newcastle Red Bulls after the end of the season.
Wade, 35, took his PREM career to 100 with a hat-trick against Exeter Chiefs two weeks ago and is now just one behind the league’s all-time top scorer Chris Ashton, who he could overtake when Sale Sharks visit Kingston Park tomorrow night.
But the ruthlessness of the sport is that it plays for its future and knows that trying to score a goal may not be enough. But he is determined to continue playing somewhere and would like to stay in the North East next season.
Former Wasps, Racing 92, Gloucester and the Wigan Warriors star, who won one cap for England, admits his time in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills was a huge eye-opener, making him realize just how hard it is to earn his place.
“Obviously, I’d like to stay, but I’m not sure what the plans are. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing and see what happens. One big reason I wanted to come here is because Newcastle haven’t had success for a few years. That’s the reason I wanted to come here.”
“But with what was coming in, in terms of the Red Bull ownership and some of the players they signed and then obviously the coaches coming in, I was really excited to be a part of it and find a place to call home.
“I really bring my value and experience, because I’ve only been at the club for a year so far, on one-year contracts. Hopefully I’ve found a place where I can really stay and bring my experience. That’s what I said.”
“As a winger, I’m expected to score a try, so I’m not sure it will be enough, but since I’ve gone to America it’s only emphasized more the fact that you have to earn your place every day. I always kind of live off that,” he added.
“In the NFL, you see guys come in and out, week in and week out, try out for the team. You realize this session could be your last, this meeting could be your last.”
“I’ve seen guys get pulled from meetings and then by the time we finish the meeting, their stuff is packed up and gone. I have no problem earning my spot and fighting for it in terms of my performance.”
“I think a lot of people think I’m back to try and break the record, but I’m all about making the most of the gifts that God has given me. I think everyone can see that I still have a lot of life, a lot of sport in me and stuff.
“So even after I get the record and post this season, I want to keep playing until I feel like I’m out of juice, let’s call it that.”
