Andy Ackers is ready for his England Test debut insisting: “It’s not really a step-up.”
The Salford hooker, 28, faces France on Saturday having missed the cut for the opening World Cup rout of Samoa. But he’s more than set for what’s to come at University of Bolton Stadium. Ackers said: “It's not really a step up. I've obviously not played in the World Cup yet but I played in the warm-up against Fiji and I didn't really think there was much of a step up there. But I guess when I get my opportunity I'll find out for real."
He will appreciate the chance more than most given he was still playing part-time with Swinton not long ago. Ackers didn’t turn professional until joining London aged 23. He recalled: "I got released from Wigan when I was 18 and went to Warrington (academy) when I was 19. It's not been a sweet journey. I've worked my socks off. I've not given up and I've persevered. I was doing everything work-wise - selling dogs, working with my dad on a building site, labouring.
“But it definitely wasn't for me. It made me hungrier and desperate to get off there. I wouldn't change my story and my journey for the world, though.”
There’s extra reason to celebrate his World Cup debut tomorrow. Ackers explained: “It's my little lad Reid’s third birthday on Saturday and he's from Bolton so it'll be a special occasion. And another story. I think I've asked for about 10 tickets and the requests are still coming in now. They're all coming out of the woodwork! They don't come watch me when it's Salford. It's only because it's England!"
Catalans rake Michael McIlorum got the nod in the 60-6 demolition of Samoa with loose forward Victor Radley helping out for a short stint at hooker. But Ackers - who scored in the 50-0 thrashing of Fiji - wants to show he's worth a spot for next week's final group game against Greece and then the knockout stages. He said: "It's quite new to me because at club level I've played every game, so it was new having to wait.
"I took it well and I didn't think I would. But as soon as I get my opportunity I'm telling you I'm going to take it. I loved the Fiji game, the whole build-up. It was just a real proud moment. It was an emotional time for my family and it made me feel really proud. That's the only way I can describe."
