Tony Smith’s honest opinion of Jack Welsby

Jack Welsby created unbelievable hype for himself when he scored one of rugby league’s most iconic tries to win the 2020 Grand Final against Wigan Warriors.

Some players would go on to be defined by that moment but in the years since Welsby has become an integral cog for England, won a further two Grand Finals and won back-to-back Young Player of the Year awards as well as being nominated for the Man of Steel last year.

He is now the future of the England fullback spot and former England coach as well as Hull FC boss Tony Smith has given his honest verdict on the young man.

“Yes he is a generational superstar. He’s up there, he’s right up there. He is class quality. Sometimes we can build young people up too soon, too early,” he said on Sky Sports.

“I think Jack handles it and takes it and won’t grow out of his own skin with some of that attention if you know what I mean.

“But we should build him as a superstar. His bad stuff is even good still. He is up there and his awareness of what sort of pass to use when, when to, when not to. He’s brilliant.”

Brian Carney then added: “The game has an obligation to turn him into a superstar. He can do no more on the field.”