Patience game starting to pay off for Sharks flyer Charnley

JOSH Charnley admits he was “clueless” when he first crossed over into Rugby Union but, 16 months into his transition, the record-breaking ex-Wigan RL winger is finally starting to find his feet in the alien code.

The 26-year-old put in one of his best performances in a Sale shirt against Irish last week, almost scoring twice and making key contributions elsewhere in the 13-9 win.

While voted players’ player of the game, Charnley was not able to keep his place in the team for Friday’s clash against Saracens, the fit-again Marland Yarde preferred instead.

However, earning the respect of his peers was another step in the right direction for the player who insists he is not returning to League.

“You read it on the forums but I’m still here for another year after this one,” he said.

Charnley’s meagre return of just four tries from 32 Sale games prior to this weekend is the source of frustration for a player used to scoring one per game during his Wigan days. But the Lancastrian,

below, craves minutes on the pitch more than anything else in a bid to accelerate his understanding of the game which is clearly improving week by week.

“It is frustrating not getting on the scoresheet but for me it’s about getting game time. I am more bothered about playing than purely scoring tries. The more games I get under my belt the more instinctive things will become and the more confident I will feel,” he said.

“When I first came over I didn’t have a clue about what was going on, but I’ve got loads of help off people and it is starting to become like second nature and I find it more interesting. Twelve months ago, I didn’t look anything like a Rugby Union winger but now I think I’m getting there.”

Charnley has had to have plenty of patience, not only waiting for the ball to arrive in his hands but also getting to grips with the different laws.

“I never thought I was going to come in and be a world-class player, I knew I would have to work really hard at my game.”

Competition from Yarde and Byron McGuigan, when the Scotland flyer returns from injury and international duty, means that Charnley will have to take what opportunities come his way, otherwise he’ll be cast to one side and the rumour mill will kick into overdrive again.

“When I played against Saracens a few months ago Byron came off the bench and played well and for five or six games after that too, and I was sat waiting in the wings. But you’ve got to keep trying and training hard and when you get the chance you’ve got to try and keep the jersey.

“Last weekend I gave it my all and the boys appreciated what I did as I got the players’ player award. I want to be a valued member of the team and contribute more and more and not be the missing link. It was nice to get that recognition.”