Jermaine McGillvary knew rising England star Dom Young was a “beast” at 17 when he’d already been out-wrestled by him.
The exciting Newcastle Knights winger has quickly taken this World Cup by storm. Rookie Young bagged two tries in the demolition of Samoa and is set to retain his place for Saturday’s showdown against France. And there’s no one more delighted than ex-Huddersfield team-mate McGillvary, the powerful winger who became such a star himself in the 2017 World Cup.
Young, 21, only played two games for Huddersfield before taking up a dream chance in the NRL last year. But ex-England star McGillvary, 34, always knew he was destined for greatness. He said: “The kid’s a beast. He’s six foot six but when you’re that tall, powerful and quick it’s a dangerous mix. He’s so skillful, too. I don’t think there’s anything he can’t do. The world’s his oyster.
“I remember when he first came in with us at Giants and we were wrestling. He was so strong. I said ‘how are you only 18?’ And he replied: ‘I’m not. I’m 17!’ Dom can be so chilled and laid-back but that’s because everything comes so naturally to him.
"I used to get into him at training and badger him to work hard and practice as he was off to the NRL. And he did. It just looked easy! It’s great to see him getting these rewards now. He deserves all the praise he’s getting. He’s a freak and the frightening thing is he’s only going to get better.”
McGillvary could have lined up alongside Young at this World Cup but retired from international rugby league in June and suffered a season-ending injury just a few weeks later. But he’s loving watching the youngster ripping defences to shreds, reminiscent of what he did Down Under five years ago.
Back then, McGillvary was nominated for the Golden Boot after scoring seven tries as England reached the final. He also ran more metres than anyone else in the tournament and had NRL clubs clamouring for his services but ultimately England lost out to Australia.
He recalled: "I was a more established, older player at that 2017 World Cup. But Dom’s still a kid. It’s scary to think he’s only 21. I remember the feeling of being out there and he’ll be on Cloud Nine at the moment. Hopefully he can go one better than what we did with England in 2017. He deserves it. He’s a top lad.”
McGillvary is looking forward to seeing what England do against France. He added: “I do think this squad can get to the final as an absolute minimum. Shaun Wane’s got a great mix of players with youth and experience. I thought it was going to be real close last weekend but they absolutely dominated a great Samoa team. I’m confident we’ll get to the final and do something special.”
