Even though Roosters forward Victor Radley has a strong Australian accent, he says he’s been made to feel right at home in the England squad.
The back-rower made a surprising decision midway through the NRL season to turn his back on potentially representing NSW and Australia by declaring his allegiance to England due to his father being born in Sheffield.
He is certain he’s made the right call as he prepares to make his debut in the clash with Samoa next weekend which will kick off the World Cup.
“I love them, I don’t really get nervous but on the flight over I was a bit nervous,” he told Love Rugby League.
“It’s good to know Hally (former Roosters winger Ryan Hall). I know a few of them like Luke Thompson from back home so it’s good as gold. They are funny and everyone takes the piss out of each other and that’s what I’m about so it’s great.”
Radley says he will be going in all guns blazing for England coach Shaun Wane.
“He’s a hard man so I don’t think he’ll be disappointed if I try and flog a few people. Hearing Waney speak, it was really refreshing. He sounds a bit like my old man but a bit stronger,” he said.
“On the field I haven’t got all the names of the plays yet and when they were saying them fast, I was struggling a bit but I just need to get them on a sheet of paper and read them a thousand times.”
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Indie rockers Kaiser Chiefs have been announced as the headline music act to open the World Cup at St James’ Park next weekend.
They will rev up the crowd with hits like Ruby and I Predict A Riot before England tackle Samoa in the tournament opener in Newcastle.
The band issued a statement to say: “All of us are huge sport fans so playing in front of a massive crowd at such an iconic stadium will be an honour.
“St James’ Park will be absolutely rocking and we’re there to ensure that when those players walk out onto that pitch, every single person in that stadium will be up for one of the biggest sporting events in rugby league history.”
Tributes are flowing in for forrmer Scotland international Adam Walker, who has passed away suddenly at the age of 31.
A member of the Bravehearts team at the 2013 World Cup, he played more than 150 matches in a lengthy career which contained stints at Huddersfield, Barrow, Swinton, Hull KR, St Helens, Wakefield, Salford and Leigh.
A front-rower, he played 14 times for Scotland and his twin brother Jonny is part of the support staff for the current team’s World Cup campaign.
Scotland Rugby League operations director Ollie Cruickshank said: “Everyone involved with Scotland Rugby League is saddened to learn of the passing of Adam. Adam played with pride every time he stepped on the pitch for Scotland and was a member of our 2013 World Cup squad and a part of our 2014 European Championship winning squad. Our thoughts are with Adam’s family and friends at this time.”
Wests Tigers playmaker Jackson Hastings, who played alongside him in the Super League at Salford, was one of Walker’s many former teammates and clubs who posted a tribute on social media.
“Rest in love fozzy! Absolute horrible news. One of the best off loaders i’ve been lucky enough to play alongside. Champion team mate and someone who was miss understood. Best wishes to family and close friends during this tough time.”
Walker, who served a 20-month ban after testing positive to cocaine, had fought an ongoing battle with anxiety and depression.
He made a successful return to the sport following his suspension and played for Salfrod in the 2019 Super League Grand Final loss to St Helens.
There were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
For anyone needing mental health support, Lifeline provides confidential crisis support that is accessible 24 hours a day. Phone 13 11 14 or SMS 0477 131 114
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