Its been a very quick rise to the top for Jack Welsby as he prepares to start for England in their opening World Cup game against Samoa.
The back to back Super League young player of the year is one of the brightest talents in world rugby and could cement himself as such with a big tournament for England.
Being in an England camp with some of the worlds best players will improve the young half backs game even more and he seems keen to learn whilst in camp as he spoke to England Rugby League.
“It’s been brilliant, good weeks training first two days in really enjoyable on the back of a good warm up game against Fiji, so all the lads are ready to go now.
“These are the best players in the country and some of the best in the NRL as well, all English talent.
“Its been intense, learning combinations and picking up things off each other. I still got a lot of learning in me and just trying to pick up all the tips and tricks off everyone.
“Everyone’s trying to impress and get a spot in that team and there’s more quality here and you can tell the difference.”
For the majority of the England squad, playing at St James Park is nothing new with the annual Magic Weekend event held at the stadium.
For Welsby he is hoping himself and the rest of the squad can use this to their advantage on Saturday.
“Last two times I’ve played at magic weekend it’s been pretty special games so hoping for another one this weekend and hope to be on the right side of the result.
“I think everyone is talking up Samoa and we are probably going in as underdogs, that suits us as a back to the wall mentality and we can go an ambush them and get the job done.”
