He's a St Helens star but a Wigan lad so representing England at DW Stadium will be “pretty special” for Jack Welsby.
When Super League’s Young Player of the Year runs out there with Wigan’s fierce rivals, he cops all sorts of abuse. But Welsby should get a far different response on Saturday when the gifted half-back looks to plot England’s course into the World Cup semi-finals. Papua New Guinea stands in his way and he can’t wait for the challenge. Welsby, 21, admits, despite those Saints allegiances, always getting a buzz playing at the ground where he’s a football season-ticket holder for Wigan Athletic.
He said: “Yeah, I’m a Wigan lad; I’ve never hidden away from that fact. I love my town, I love Wigan. I love playing at the DW with a home crowd - not so much playing with an away crowd - but it is pretty special. I’ve been there so many times I can’t remember. I’ve a good few memories. And it’s not just watching Latics. I watched Wigan Warriors growing up.
“I’ve had some good times sat in the stands and hopefully I can create some good times for the fans coming Saturday. To be running out there for England, it’s a real privilege.”
Welsby opted against going along to watch the Latics on Wednesday when they lost 1-0 to Stoke, a fifth straight defeat. In contrast, Shaun Wane’s England are aiming for a fifth straight win of the autumn after sweeping past Fiji, Samoa, France and Greece. But Welsby explained: “We work hard all the time.
“So when you get a day off it’s not about flying around watching football and doing other stuff. It’s about recovering and being professional. That’s something I’ve taken on board coming here. We train really hard and then he gives us the time off to recuperate, not to be going and doing stupid things.”
Welsby’s not been doing stupid things on the pitch either, showing a maturity in his game that’s persuaded Wane to completely back him as his half-back. England’s eight-try winger Dom Young has taken this World Cup by storm but Welsby’s introduction to international rugby league has been just as impressive. Colleagues constantly say he plays like he’s just out with his pals on a school field.
Welsby conceded: “I try to. I am pretty relaxed. I was nervous for the Samoa game because it was my debut. But ever since then I’ve just relaxed into it. I just enjoy it. It’s something I’ve been doing since I was very little. I don’t see much point in getting nervous. It’s a game of rugby at the end of the day.”
England probable: Tomkins; Young, Watkins, Farnworth, Makinson; Welsby, Williams; Burgess. McIlorum, Hill, Whitehead, Bateman, Radley. Substitutes: Lees, Knowles, Pearce-Paul, McMeeken.
