John has been waiting a long time for Wales
WILLGRIFF John will experience the biggest moment of his career when he walks out for Wales in the Six Nations next month. But the Sale star believes it should have happened a while ago.
The huge prop has finally been called up to the international squad, with many wondering why it hasn’t happened before.
The 27-year-old has played for his country at every age group up until and including the under-20s. But has, until now, been snubbed by Wales. He watched on last season as former team-mates Liam Williams and Cory Hill helped Wales claim the Grand Slam under Warren Gatland.
The coach stepped down following the World Cup in Japan, and now his successor - former Scarlets chief Wayne Pivac has called on John at his first opportunity.
And now the tighthead prop can’t wait to have the chance to walk out against Italy in the opening match of the competition at the Principality Stadium on February 1.
“It is the biggest moment of my career so far,” said John. “It feels like it is a long time coming, but if it was ever going to happen now is the time.
“Maybe over the last few months with a change of management I thought it was more possible.
“There hasn’t been too much contact with them, but I was told just as they came in that they would be watching me.
“I know what I am capable of, it is just whether I am given the chance to show it.
“I wouldn’t say that things like this get to me, I am just looking forward to being involved in a set-up I have not been involved in before and, hopefully, being involved on a big stage.”
John will come up against a couple of familiar faces in the tournament, with World Cup hero Tom Curry having been named in the England squad, and fellow Sale team-mate Byron McGuigan being called up by Scotland.
And McGuigan believes John will benefit from beginning his international career having had plenty of experience playing for Sale in the Premiership and in Europe.
He said: “The older you get, the more experience you get, you learn to enjoy the occasion and take it in more,” he said. “You have to enjoy your rugby.
“WillGriff is going to be outstanding for Wales and it will be awesome to play against him in the Six Nations, although I won’t be running straight at him!
“I wish him all the best, just not against Scotland.”
WE’RE on the verge of a new Betfred Super League season – and I can hardly wait.
I’m convinced we’re set for a brilliant campaign that might well be even more exciting than last year, when my home town team Salford Red Devils beat the odds to get themselves into the Grand Final.
All eyes from the off will be on newcomers Toronto Wolfpack, who have been training at Rochdale. They’ve certainly grabbed plenty of the headlines pre-season with the signing of All Black legend Sonny Bill Williams.
It is yet another significant milestone for the sport that deserves a much higher profile.
Toronto have been cut to a still tempting 20/1 at Betfred to win the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 10. Holders St Helens are 9/4 favourites, with Wigan – boosted by the signing of 2019 Man Of Steel Jackson Hastings – at 3/1, ahead of Warrington who are on their heels at 4/1. Salford, meanwhile, have drifted to 33/1. For Salford, it will be interesting to see how they cope with new signing Kevin Brown from Warrington calling the shots.
The Wire have paired Gareth Widdop with last season’s marquee signing Blake Austin – and I’m reckoning this could be an important season for the ambitious Wolves.
Wigan, who host Warrington in the new season opener on January 30, have George Burgess taking the number 10 shirt, and with Hastings could well be even stronger. Meanwhile, I’ve just clambered from behind the sofa having watched that embarrassing United performance at Anfield… a game we could easily have lost by six, never mind two.
I can’t believe some fans think we did alright, because we were well behind in all areas of the pitch.
The Marcus Rashford injury is a huge blow, not just to United but potentially for England too, especially as Harry Kane is unlikely to be firing on all cylinders in the European Championships this summer.
The FA Cup fourth round takes centre stage this weekend, with City favourites to win the famous trophy. They’re 9/4, with Premier League champions-elect Liverpool at 9/2. United and Arsenal are 11/1.