26 June 2024 , 16:41
886
0
He's still only 20 and a young pup as a prop but England rookie George Delaney is ready for the jump to international level.
The St Helens forward hopes to debut against France in Toulouse on Saturday. It will cap a remarkable rise for an impressive talent who was playing on loan at part-timers Swinton barely 12 months ago. The rangy front-row has made giant strides for Saints, putting in some towering Super League performances and has already earned admiring glances from NRL outfit South Sydney.
But Delaney, who linked up with England for the first time today, admitted: “I couldn’t believe it when I got the call from Shaun Wane. It’s something I didn’t expect going into the [international] break. It wasn’t even in the back of my mind I could get selected.
“Jack [Welsby] and Tommy [Makinson] from Saints gave me a heads-up saying they reckoned I might have a chance. But I just didn’t believe them. I didn’t really accept that in my mind so it was a nice surprise. I was really proud of myself and couldn’t wait to ring up the family and let them know.”
Delaney’s first day in camp was a little odd, though. Head coach Wane unexpectedly needed a minor operation on his ankle last night which meant he was absent when his squad met up for training in Wigan. Delaney admitted: “It is a bit strange because I’ve not met him yet. But I’m looking forward to meeting him.
Tom Johnstone faced “manic” time settling at Catalans Dragons after horrid 2022
“If I do get to play, it’ll be massive for me and my family watching on. I’ve played Catalans before and they’re always up for a tough game and tough players. I’m expecting the same with France.”
St Helens' prop George Delaney (Paul Greenwood/REX/Shutterstock)The squad fly out to France on Friday but it is still not yet certain Wane will be able to make the trip. It was a problematic first day in camp as his No2 - Catalans assistant Andy Last - wasn't due to arrive back into the UK until later in the day. Senior players helped lead the first practice session but officials are confident it will soon be business as usual.
And Delaney, who cites Slammin’ Sam Burgess as one of his England rugby league heroes, has already shown nothing fazes him. He’s already made nearly 40 appearances for Saints, getting valuable experience under his belt while many of their frontline stars like Alex Walmsley and Morgan Knowles are sidelined. He said: “I am ahead of schedule. I’m happy with how I’m going and have been lucky with injuries. I’ve been able to get opportunities: I’ve been starting games and doing a lot of work. That’s more my game I think: starting, getting through some minutes and some work.”
St Helens' George Delaney pulls on an England jersey for the first time at their training camp at Wigan todayAlthough not the biggest of front-rows, Delaney is athletic and punches above his weight. He added: "I think I’ve got some growth in me. I can get bigger in the gym and I have been playing against bigger bodies thinking ‘I hope I can get to that size in a few years.’ But I’m happy with the way I’m developing - and I’m definitely going well against those bigger bodies."
Catalans have signed Canberra and Australia winger Nick Cotric, 25, on a three-year deal from next season.