England star opens up on being told he “wasn’t good enough” by former club

Yesterday was a big day for Tyler Dupree as the Salford Red Devils star made his England debut.

Speaking after the game, he said:

“It was a bit surreal really on the bench, my legs were shaking, I was a bit nervous watching the guys take the hard yards and looking at the game and thinking what I can bring extra but as soon as I got on the first carry settled me down.”

What made the day extra special was the fact Dupree has gone the scenic route to his international cap.

He started at Leeds Rhinos but was told he wasn’t good enough. He ended up at Oldham, went from their to Widnes Vikings and is now at Salford Red Devils where he has become one of the league’s top props.

He said of being rejected at a young age: “It just made it extra especial. It was always going to be a big occasion for me and my family but I have always been told that I’m not good enough.

“So for someone like a legend like Waney who is a bit of a legend as a coach and in my position and for him to see me as a forward for the England team but I am hoping I can just continue with it and keep getting picked.”

He now takes on the club that rejected him this week but insists there is no bad blood there:

“I am really looking forward to it. There is no bad blood with the club itself. I enjoy the prospect of going back to Leeds.

“It is a class stadium and has great facilities and a great pitch and great fans so I am looking forward to going back.

“I will be really happy to play there.”