This exclusive interview carries out a discussion with the most successful Super League player about representing England on the biggest platform.
- You’re the most successful Super League player of all time, but where did playing at the World Cup rank in your career?
Despite my domestic achievements, competing in the World Cup was a pinnacle. It goes above and beyond Super League championships to represent England in the World Cup.
I believe that when you represent England, you represent everyone involved with the sport in the nation, from those who supported you as a young player to your family, friends, and coaches. I played for England for the first time in the 2000 World Cup. Being one of the 24 players selected to represent your nation at the World Cup is an enormous honor and a tremendous responsibility. I also captained my nation in 2008 while playing in Australia.
- What did it mean to you to win Player of the Tournament in a home World Cup in 2000?
When I think back on the competition, I realize that it most likely helped me develop as a player. I clearly recall that after being passed over for the first game against Australia, I just decided that if given the chance, I would force the coach to select me once more. I was fortunate to be outside of Sean Long. He was an excellent halfback and ball player, and I was a wide-running back-rower.
A nice aspect of the World Cup, in my opinion, is the opportunity it gave me to break into the international scene as an outsider. You have some people who are unknown but could become well-known as a result of their World Cup successful performances. It’s a fantastic platform to start your career.
- Do you see any players that people might not know, who could do that this year?
If England does well and advances far in the competition, I believe Jack Welsby will be a player that people will talk about. In the first 20 minutes of the second half of the Grand Final, when I watched him play, I thought he was great.
He certainly has the potential to leave a lasting impression. He plays with such ease and intuition, and he recognizes openings in games that other players do not.
- Going back to 2008 when you captained England in Australia, how much did it help you to have a familiar coaching face in Tony Smith there?
Tony recognized the subtleties of my game as well as the style in which I would like to guide the team as a captain. I consider it crucial for players and coaches to have a common language and be acquainted.
However, it might also be advantageous if you don’t know the coach. He has no idea how you perform week to week at the club level, therefore as a player, you’ll want to make an impression. Because you have to perform at your absolute best, it can be a good motivation for players.
- How different will the experience of a home World Cup be this year compared to when you played given how the sport has progressed?
I observed a significant difference. It’s been more than 22 years and Rugby League World Cup 2021 chief executive Jon Dutton and his staff have put in a lot of effort.
The finest example I can give you is our initial World Cup match against Australia in 2000, which took place at Twickenham in front of 20,000 spectators. Since the 2012 Olympics, there has likely been a true demand in this nation for top-tier, elite sports, and regardless of their knowledge of the sport, people will watch it because they want to take part in the competition.
Therefore, for me, the difference will be crowded stadiums, a lot of media coverage, and a genuine sense of national involvement. It may have seemed a little tacked on while I was playing.
- How do you think the World Cup will affect the reach of the sport?
The Super League has likely contributed to the game’s growth at the grassroots level and helped draw in more casual spectators. But if this tournament succeeds, I believe the game will get stronger as casual viewers turn into ardent supporters who will then motivate the following generation.
The most thrilling team sport on the planet will be on display for those who are watching for the first time, in my opinion. It’s fairly easy to grasp but requires outstanding athleticism and a lot of intensity to master.
- Could that lead to a more even distribution of quality teams across the country?
That may occur in two instances, in my opinion.
Without a doubt, that might occur in Newcastle. The fact that the opening game will be played there could function as a spark. We’ve had the Magic Weekend there for a while.
Then, the next is certainly London. In the past, ten to fifteen years ago, we had a strong London team that could stoke the flame. So instead of concentrating our efforts around the M62, we could travel to the northeast and return with a small foothold in London. These two places stand to gain the most from hosting the World Cup.
- How important is England’s performance going to be to that?
Football’s European Championships have shown us that when a home nation advances far in a competition, everyone gets along. I recognize that we are not football, but we will air on the BBC for a month. There is time to gain momentum, but that usually occurs only while the home team is present.
The way England performs will have a significant impact on how the World Cup is received in this nation. Making the final must be England’s goal. They will maintain momentum if they do that, and that is crucial.
- As someone who has been there and done it, what would be your advice to the players?
I would advise them to consider the extra eyes as support rather than as a burden. They desire for you to succeed. Put that feeling to good use. Then simply enjoy and seize the day. You are fulfilling a childhood fantasy.
- Is England the next team capable of stopping southern hemisphere dominance?
This year, they face a significant obstacle as several players with Polynesian ancestry have chosen not to represent Australia. That makes Australia, who I don’t think will be as dominant, along with Samoa, Tonga, and New Zealand all likely winners. They have been the most cunning group that constantly produces top-notch work.
Samoa has several players who may have represented Australia, including Joseph Sua’ali’i, who is perhaps the best young player of his generation, and some players who have participated in State of Origin matches. It’s a significant challenge for England, but if they can prevail over Samoa in their first game, I think they can succeed.
However, I believe that England, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, and Australia have the best chance of winning the World Cup.
- Why do you think the southern hemisphere has been so dominant up to now?
The sheer volume of numbers, I think, is the main cause. We’ll never catch up in terms of involvement. The game has become increasingly popular in Australia over the past 15 years, and as a result, TV deals have increased. They have a far larger talent pool as a result of the increased participation, which enables them to be the top teams. The NRL is currently the top league, and it offers a weekly setting for brilliance. I believe that fosters a winning mentality.
- How difficult is it for traveling teams to acclimatize to conditions on the other side of the world?
It’s challenging for a variety of reasons. First of all, the climate here is very different from what you would experience in Australia. It’s raining, dreary, and dismal. On the other hand, we played in 35-degree temperatures and 100 percent humidity during the World Cup in Australia.
Second, the crowd’s intensity in England is different. When playing here, every player talks about how daunting and noisy it can be. Thirdly, I believe it to be simply touring. You experience good moments, but maintaining professionalism for nine to ten weeks presents difficulties, especially when you are 12,000 kilometers away from your home.
QUICKFIRE PREDICTIONS
World Cup Winner
As a former captain, I’ll support England. In a single game, I believe they can defeat Samoa as well as the other three opponents.
Player Of The Tournament
I think three, in particular, stand out.
I believe Cameron Munster has the power to ignite public interest in Australia. He is the best player in the world when he is at his peak.
Next will be a New Zealander named Joseph Manu. He will be crucial if things go well.
Next, I’m going to support Jack Welsby if things go well for England.
Top Try Scorer
Ryan Hall will have to be my choice. He’s been a fantastic professional and is given one last chance to play for England.
