Widdop to face former mentor

AUCKLAND: Passing through the Melbourne youth ranks as a teenager, Englishman Gareth Widdop — then a promising fullback out of Halifax — found a certain Billy Slater in front of him as the Storm’s firstgrade No 1.

Next Saturday, at a heaving Suncorp Stadium, the two men will pull on their nations’ jumpers and go toetotoe for Rugby League World Cup glory.

Widdop’s England will face Slater’s Australia in the Brisbane decider, after he helped his side inch to a 2018 victory over Tonga in Saturday’s semifinal.

Now at St George Illawarra, the 28yearold Widdop came through the Storm ranks as a fullback before switching to the halves in 2011.

That is where he stayed — winning the 2012 NRL premiership with Melbourne and spending four seasons at the Dragons — until asked to drop back for this year’s cup.

‘‘It’s funny how it all works out. I did my apprenticeship at Melbourne under Billy, as a fullback in my junior career,’’ Widdop said.

‘‘He’s obviously one of the best fullbacks to ever play the game so you’d be silly not to listen to him. He’s great for young kids and I also learned a lot.’’

Slater was ‘‘one of the most competitive players there’s ever been’’.

England has appeared the sole side capable of upsetting the Kangaroos, despite losing to them in the tournament’s opening match.

The Australians defeated the old enemy 184, going down early to a Jermaine McGillvary try before hitting back with three of their own.

Widdop has consigned that test match to history.

The northern giants had managed to string together 70 solid minutes against Tonga, holding a bullocking pack at bay.

They will need a full 80minute performance against Australia, which is looking for its fourth World Cup triumph in its last five attempts.

England, meanwhile, will play its first final since 1995. — NZN