Frizell’s keen for new Cup charge

FOUR years ago, Tyson Frizell ( pictured) was about to embark on his first World Cup as a Welshman.

Now he is looming as a key contributor to Australia’s World Cup defence.

Frizell featured in the 2013 World Cup where he played in all three of Wales’ pool match defeats. His career was still in its infancy, having completed just his first full season in the NRL.

“That was awesome,” Frizell said of his first World Cup.

“Two years before that I got a taste of the Four Nations with Wales. I hadn’t played too much first grade before my first World Cup but it was great. It was different going away from what I had known and being in a different environment with players I hadn’t met before. I loved every bit of it.

“Even though I am playing for Australia now, everyone is passionate for the country they are representing.”

A breakthrough Origin series last year helped Frizell become a mainstay in Australia’s successful Four Nations campaign. He is set to take his place in Australia’s side to play England in the opening match of the World Cup on Friday night in Melbourne. “I’m hoping to learn more from here and gain more confidence and experience,” Frizell said. “I haven’t played too many finals games. This is an opportunity to experience some (big match football).”

Frizell struggled with injury post-Origin this year. He has an ongoing back problem which needs to be continually monitored but it was a rib injury which plagued him for club side St George Illawarra.

“I couldn’t train during the week,” Frizell said. “It was just about getting me right for the games.

“The body was OK at the back end of the year. It was mostly around that middle period of the year where I was a little bit busted. Come towards the end of the year I was playing a different role, I was playing in the middle and not playing as many minutes. That helped the body out. Origin is such a massive game it does do a lot to your body.”