WIGAN LAD WELSBY AIMING TO MAKE HOME FANS SMILE
JACK WELSBY is used to spending Saturdays at the DW Stadium. Only this time the Wigan Athletic season-ticket holder will not be watching in the East Stand but taking centre stage.
‘I’ve had some good times sat in the stands and hopefully I can create some good times for the fans on Saturday,’ says England’s rising star ahead of today’s Rugby League World Cup quarter-final with Papua New Guinea.
As a player, the 21-year-old from Wigan has come in for some stick on his most recent visits. That is what comes with pulling on the red V of Wigan Warriors’ bitter rivals St Helens. Yet wearing the white of England, Welsby will be welcomed at the DW once more. ‘I’ve been under the pump there a couple of times recently, so to have a home crowd behind me will make a nice change,’ he grins at Wigan’s Robin Park training ground this week.
‘I’m a Wigan lad and I love my town. I’ve been to the DW more times than I can remember, so to be running out there for England is pretty special.’
Welsby also has fond memories of watching the Warriors growing up, including when Shaun Wane led them to three Super League titles between 2013 and 2018. Now the utility back is working under Wane at England with the joint mission of winning the World Cup. ‘I remember the Wigan moments and how when Waney took over, he took them to another level,’ says Welsby. ‘I loved watching England as a kid but we have not had too many big moments as a nation to cheer about. Hopefully we can have one this year.’ England have every chance with Welsby in their ranks. Despite his tender age, he has scooped a hat-trick of Super League titles with Saints, scoring the dramatic try after the siren to beat Wigan in the 2020 Grand Final.
Had the World Cup gone ahead last year, Welsby may not have made the squad. But the delay gave him time to shine and he is now tipped as the hosts’ key player as they bid to be crowned the first world champions from these shores in 50 years.
‘I don’t think it’s me that’s going to win us a World Cup, I think it’s all 24 people that are in there,’ he adds modestly. ‘I never imagined playing for England at this point in my career and I probably wouldn’t have been here last year. It has given me a massive opportunity and I want to grab it with both hands.’
• JOSH Addo-Carr scored five tries as Australia beat Lebanon 48-4 to reach the semi-finals. They will face either New Zealand or Fiji, who play this evening.