He's a St Helens star but a Wigan lad so representing England at DW Stadium will be “pretty special” for Jack Welsby.
When Super League’s Young Player of the Year runs out there with Wigan’s fierce rivals, he cops all sorts of abuse. But Welsby should get a far different response on Saturday when the gifted half-back looks to plot England’s course into the World Cup semi-finals. Papua New Guinea stands in his way and he can’t wait for the challenge. Welsby, 21, admits, despite those Saints allegiances, always getting a buzz playing at the ground where he’s a football season-ticket holder for Wigan Athletic.
He said: “Yeah, I’m a Wigan lad; I’ve never hidden away from that fact. I love my town, I love Wigan. I love playing at the DW with a home crowd - not so much playing with an away crowd - but it is pretty special. I’ve been there so many times I can’t remember. I’ve a good few memories. And it’s not just watching Latics. I watched Wigan Warriors growing up.
