TYLER SWIFT
Dupree on fast track to being top of the props
WIGAN’S Tyler Dupree will look to bring Penrith to their knees tonight and continue his meteoric rise.
It’s less than two years ago that the athletic prop was playing part-time with Widnes.
But after a switch to Salford and then a big-money move to Warriors, he has won a Grand Final, been capped by England and is now facing the Aussie champions in the World Club Challenge.
Dupree said: “It’s something I was never expecting, having only got into full-time rugby so recently.
“But I take everything in my stride. I am really looking forward to the opportunity and challenge.
“I know how big the NRL is over there and I do watch it. We have respect for Penrith. But we’re a good team and we know we can basically beat anyone when we’re at our best.
“We just need to get the best out of ourselves and hopefully the win comes off the back of that.”
If Matt Peet’s side prosper in front of 24,000 fans at a bouncing DW Stadium, it will mark a record-equalling fifth victory in the competition.
Penrith, who have claimed three successive NRL Grand Finals, are out to win it for the first time.
They have New Zealand captain James Fisher-Harris at prop, the current Golden Boot holder who helped the Kiwis thrash Australia 30-0 in November, along with fellow Penrith front-row Moses Leota.
Dupree, yet to lose in Wigan colours after 10-straight wins since debuting in July, added: “Fisher-Harris was basically voted the best player in the world after his performances in that series.
“I want to test myself against players of that calibre.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing where I am and how I face off with these sorts of big players. It’s massive for me, knowing where I want to be in my career as well, playing against players at international level.
“I want to be able to show I can hold my own against them for that as well.”
He helped Wigan begin their title defence with a 32-4 victory at Castleford last Saturday.
Dupree was one of the big talking points after Liam Watts was sent off and banned for four games for making shoulder contact with his head.
The decisions – both the dismissal and subsequent suspension – have split opinions. However, with the RFL cracking down on head contacts in 2024, these sanctions will become the norm.
Asked for his view, Dupree added: “It is a difficult one. But we’ve been told not to make contact with the head. So, it is what it is. We’ve been warned what the consequences are.
“It’s not just Wattsy it’s happened to – it was all over round one. There will be some teething issues as players get used to it.
“But we’ve been given a set of rules to abide by to make the game safer and the match review panel and RFL are taking it very seriously.”