Latest news with #JackWelsby
South Wales Argus
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Adam Hills not hiding passionate love for rugby league
The Australian comic, known for hosting late-night talk and sketch show The Last Leg, makes no attempt to hide his passion for the 13-player code either. After all, the 55-year-old was adorned in Australia's rugby league kit from the 2017 Rugby League World Cup on a traditional London bus kitted out to mark 100 days to go until the return of the ABK Beer Ashes. It will mark a revival of one of rugby league's most iconic series which last happened in 2003 when Australia toured the UK to play Great Britain. 'I'm so excited,' the Sydney native said. 'It's been 22 years since the last Ashes, and I've been shocked by that; this is something that should be happening all the time. 'I'm so excited to show rugby league off to my London friends and go, 'OK, guys you have to watch this. I know you don't know what it's about, or you might think you know, but this is five levels up, especially when it's an Ashes Test'.' The launch began in Clapham – London's unofficial Australian capital – and also featured England captain George Williams, international teammate Jack Welsby and rugby league legend Martin Offiah. But Hills' presence at the event goes beyond his celebrity status, he is also the Rugby Football League president, a role he has held since the start of the year, and one that fills him with enormous pride. 'I honestly got goosebumps when the email came through offering it to me,' he beamed. 'Initially I was a little bit hesitant because I thought, 'How's it going to look having an Australian as the president of the RFL?' 'But I think it's good to have an Australian shouting about stuff, because sometimes rugby league gets a little bit forgotten over here. 'I come from a city where you go, 'this is the best sport in the world' and I'm not ashamed to say that. 'So, I thought, okay, I'll take the role so I can shout about rugby league in a positive way.' And Hill's has been doing just that, trying to raise the profile of the sport in every way possible, from the national to the community game, to everything in between, including speaking to Artur Martirosyan, the president of Ukrainian Rugby League. 'Off the back of [a Last Leg episode where the plight of rugby league in Ukraine was highlighted] that, I was put in touch with the president,' he explained. 'I had a FaceTime with him, and I said, 'when's the best time to chat?' 'He replied, 'Sunday is, because I'm in the army.' And I was like, 'because you get Sunday's off?' He said, 'no, no, Sundays are when my commanding officer is off so I can make a phone call. 'I was amazed at this point. I asked him what he did, and he just sent me a picture of himself behind an anti-aircraft gun. I was like 'holy s**t!' 'When then ended up talking about rugby league for an hour. We asked them what they needed, which was kit, balls etc, so we put out a plea on the Last Leg and the guys from Keighley Cougars said they'd make the Ukrainian national kit for them. 'So, as we speak, they've flown out to Poland to then take a 15-hour bus to present them with the kit. I'm loving stuff like that.' Hills was a member of the Australian side at the inaugural Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup in 2022 and hopes, through his role as RFL president, to try a promote disability rugby league as much as he can too. 'Regardless of the sport, there has to be an England v Australia Ashes,' he continued. 'I've played disability rugby league, and since becoming president, and even before then, I'm doing what I can to make sure there's disability rugby league at the next World Cup. 'We did it once and it can't be a one off. And I also think there should be a disability rugby league Ashes too. 'I really want that to be a thing.' The series kicks off at Wembley Stadium on October 25, before heading to Liverpool a week later, where a sold-out Bramley-Moore Dock will take centre stage. Leeds Rhinos' Headingley Stadium is the venue for the third and final Test on November 8, which is also a sellout. More than 60,000 tickets were sold on the first day of the priority sales window, which was a record-breaking figure for any rugby league series launch. Hills predicted a close series and expressed his desire for a winner-takes-all decider come the third Test. 'It's going to finish 2-1 to someone,' he said. 'Rugby League will be the winner, and I think that final game at Headingley will be unbelievable. 'As an Australian, where do you not want to be playing? I'm absolutely pumped for that match.' Marking the milestone with a '100 days to go' London Trophy Tour were Rugby League legend Martin Offiah MBE, current England captain George Williams, star player Jack Welsby, and Aussie comedian and Rugby Football League President, Adam Hills MBE.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Rugby League star Jack Welsby says England will ‘whitewash' Australia in the Ashes this Autumn
ENGLAND back Jack Welsby has full belief in the Three Lions this Autumn - but said he will be 'nervous' ahead of the series. The Rugby League Ashes returns for the first time in 22 years, and is set to kick-off at Wembley Stadium on October 25. Advertisement 5 Jack Welsby will be aiming to guide England to a 3-0 victory in the Rugby League Ashes Credit: SWpix 5 Welsby (right) has said he will feel 'nervous' ahead of the huge clash against Australia Credit: SWpix 5 Jack Welsby's St Helens side upset Australian Penrith in 2023 Credit: Getty St Helens back Welsby knows all about upsetting the Kangaroos, with his St Helens side picking up an improbable victory over Penrith in the 2023, Welsby scoring the opening try that day. The Three Lions have not beaten Australia since 2016, and are looking to avenge the loss of the 2017 World Cup final. Australia test will be 'another level' The 24-year-old star, who can play full back, half back, centre and wing, told SunSport: "I'll be nervous I reckon. Advertisement Read more Rugby League "I don't get nervous at all for Super League games anymore, but you still get tingling feelings when you play against Wigan and Warrington. "I imagine it's going to step up another level when Australia are in town at Wembley. "I know they'll be just as nervous coming over here playing, and they're the favourites, they've got to come up and face us. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Advertisement Most read in Rugby League "They'll be expecting to win, but so are we." Despite the nerves, Welsby can't wait to get started. First glimpse of The Luke Littler Stadium as Warrington Wolves rename ground in honour of darts superstar and megafan 5 The Rugby League Ashes is set to take get going on October 25 Credit: SWpix He added said: "I think we've been saying it for a while now, excited, it feels like we've been waiting a long time for this to come around. Advertisement "We've sort of been building as a team and as a country for this moment. "We want to grab it with both hands, so [we are] excited and ready." Welsby's club side St Helens also know about the spoils of victory over Aussies, as they upset Penrith in 2023. And the 24-year-old is ready a raring to do it again. Advertisement He added: "As a Super League competition, we've had some good success against the Australian champions in the last two attempts. "Hopefully we can channel that and put it into practice again come October 25 at Wembley." Playing for England is the 'pinnacle of the sport' Welsby has played a handful of times for the Three Lions since his debut in 2022, and has called it "the pinncale of the sport." In terms of where a series win could rank amongst his career achievements, Welsby said: "playing against the best team in the world in Australia, if we can get a result over them, it would be very memorable." Advertisement Although Welsby called them the 'best team in the world,' he has belief in England's chances, saying: "I think since the Samoa semi-final in the World Cup, we've gradually got better and better. "We've added new people to the squad, who add a lot to us, so there is going to be new faces again who have to step up, and become even better. "I believe we can do that and upset the odds." He also told the new faces to relish the opportunity to play for England, saying: "I just think back to when I came up, and about how nervous I was for that first test against Samoa. Advertisement "As soon as I got out on the field, I just let loose and enjoyed it. 5 England captain George Williams and Jack Welsby toured London 100 days out from the first test Credit: SWpix "When I speak to the players now, I can see a bit of nerves in the changing rooms, I just remind them what they've been doing all year in a tough competition "The reason they've got to be here is because of the way that they've been playing Advertisement "Waney [Shaun Wane] doesn't pick people who aren't in form or who doesn't deserve to be there, so they've got to be confident when they step up." When asked for a prediction, Welsby said: "I'll go 3-0. Whitewash." The three test series between England and Australia is set to take place in October this year, with the first test coming LIVE from Wembley.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Rugby League star Jack Welsby says England will ‘whitewash' Australia in the Ashes this Autumn
The St Helens back Jack Welsby spoke to SunSport 100 days out from the series this year WEL CONFIDENT Rugby League star Jack Welsby says England will 'whitewash' Australia in the Ashes this Autumn ENGLAND back Jack Welsby has full belief in the Three Lions this Autumn - but said he will be 'nervous' ahead of the series. The Rugby League Ashes returns for the first time in 22 years, and is set to kick-off at Wembley Stadium on October 25. 5 Jack Welsby will be aiming to guide England to a 3-0 victory in the Rugby League Ashes Credit: SWpix 5 Welsby (right) has said he will feel 'nervous' ahead of the huge clash against Australia Credit: SWpix 5 Jack Welsby's St Helens side upset Australian Penrith in 2023 Credit: Getty St Helens back Jack Welsby has scored four tries for England, and said: "I'll go 3-0 [England]. Whitewash," when asked for a Rugby League Ashes prediction. Welsby knows all about upsetting the Kangaroos, with his St Helens side picking up an improbable victory over Penrith in the 2023, Welsby scoring the opening try that day. The Three Lions have not beaten Australia since 2016, and are looking to avenge the loss of the 2017 World Cup final. Australia test will be 'another level' The 24-year-old star, who can play full back, half back, centre and wing, told SunSport: "I'll be nervous I reckon. "I don't get nervous at all for Super League games anymore, but you still get tingling feelings when you play against Wigan and Warrington. "I imagine it's going to step up another level when Australia are in town at Wembley. "I know they'll be just as nervous coming over here playing, and they're the favourites, they've got to come up and face us. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "They'll be expecting to win, but so are we." Despite the nerves, Welsby can't wait to get started. First glimpse of The Luke Littler Stadium as Warrington Wolves rename ground in honour of darts superstar and megafan 5 The Rugby League Ashes is set to take get going on October 25 Credit: SWpix He added said: "I think we've been saying it for a while now, excited, it feels like we've been waiting a long time for this to come around. "We've sort of been building as a team and as a country for this moment. "We want to grab it with both hands, so [we are] excited and ready." Welsby's club side St Helens also know about the spoils of victory over Aussies, as they upset Penrith in 2023. And the 24-year-old is ready a raring to do it again. He added: "As a Super League competition, we've had some good success against the Australian champions in the last two attempts. "Hopefully we can channel that and put it into practice again come October 25 at Wembley." Playing for England is the 'pinnacle of the sport' Welsby has played a handful of times for the Three Lions since his debut in 2022, and has called it "the pinncale of the sport." In terms of where a series win could rank amongst his career achievements, Welsby said: "playing against the best team in the world in Australia, if we can get a result over them, it would be very memorable." Although Welsby called them the 'best team in the world,' he has belief in England's chances, saying: "I think since the Samoa semi-final in the World Cup, we've gradually got better and better. "We've added new people to the squad, who add a lot to us, so there is going to be new faces again who have to step up, and become even better. "I believe we can do that and upset the odds." He also told the new faces to relish the opportunity to play for England, saying: "I just think back to when I came up, and about how nervous I was for that first test against Samoa. "As soon as I got out on the field, I just let loose and enjoyed it. 5 England captain George Williams and Jack Welsby toured London 100 days out from the first test Credit: SWpix "When I speak to the players now, I can see a bit of nerves in the changing rooms, I just remind them what they've been doing all year in a tough competition "The reason they've got to be here is because of the way that they've been playing "Waney [Shaun Wane] doesn't pick people who aren't in form or who doesn't deserve to be there, so they've got to be confident when they step up." When asked for a prediction, Welsby said: "I'll go 3-0. Whitewash." The three test series between England and Australia is set to take place in October this year, with the first test coming LIVE from Wembley.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Rugby League star Jack Welsby says England will ‘whitewash' Australia in the Ashes this Autumn
ENGLAND back Jack Welsby has full belief in the Three Lions this Autumn - but said he will be 'nervous' ahead of the series. The Rugby League Ashes returns for the first time in 22 years, and is set to kick-off at Wembley Stadium on October 25. 5 5 5 St Helens back Jack Welsby has scored four tries for England, and said: "I'll go 3-0 [England]. Whitewash," when asked for a Rugby League Ashes prediction. Welsby knows all about upsetting the Kangaroos, with his St Helens side picking up an improbable victory over Penrith in the 2023, Welsby scoring the opening try that day. The Three Lions have not beaten Australia since 2016, and are looking to avenge the loss of the 2017 World Cup final. Australia test will be 'another level' The 24-year-old star, who can play full back, half back, centre and wing, told SunSport: "I'll be nervous I reckon. "I don't get nervous at all for Super League games anymore, but you still get tingling feelings when you play against Wigan and Warrington. "I imagine it's going to step up another level when Australia are in town at Wembley. "I know they'll be just as nervous coming over here playing, and they're the favourites, they've got to come up and face us. "They'll be expecting to win, but so are we." Despite the nerves, Welsby can't wait to get started. First glimpse of The Luke Littler Stadium as Warrington Wolves rename ground in honour of darts superstar and megafan 5 He added said: "I think we've been saying it for a while now, excited, it feels like we've been waiting a long time for this to come around. "We've sort of been building as a team and as a country for this moment. "We want to grab it with both hands, so [we are] excited and ready." Welsby's club side St Helens also know about the spoils of victory over Aussies, as they upset Penrith in 2023. And the 24-year-old is ready a raring to do it again. He added: "As a Super League competition, we've had some good success against the Australian champions in the last two attempts. "Hopefully we can channel that and put it into practice again come October 25 at Wembley." Playing for England is the 'pinnacle of the sport' Welsby has played a handful of times for the Three Lions since his debut in 2022, and has called it "the pinncale of the sport." In terms of where a series win could rank amongst his career achievements, Welsby said: "playing against the best team in the world in Australia, if we can get a result over them, it would be very memorable." Although Welsby called them the 'best team in the world,' he has belief in England's chances, saying: "I think since the Samoa semi-final in the World Cup, we've gradually got better and better. "We've added new people to the squad, who add a lot to us, so there is going to be new faces again who have to step up, and become even better. "I believe we can do that and upset the odds." He also told the new faces to relish the opportunity to play for England, saying: "I just think back to when I came up, and about how nervous I was for that first test against Samoa. "As soon as I got out on the field, I just let loose and enjoyed it. 5 "When I speak to the players now, I can see a bit of nerves in the changing rooms, I just remind them what they've been doing all year in a tough competition "The reason they've got to be here is because of the way that they've been playing "Waney [Shaun Wane] doesn't pick people who aren't in form or who doesn't deserve to be there, so they've got to be confident when they step up." When asked for a prediction, Welsby said: "I'll go 3-0. Whitewash." The three test series between England and Australia is set to take place in October this year, with the first test coming LIVE from Wembley.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
A bus and a buzz - Williams on spreading Ashes word
In his BBC Sport column, England captain George Williams spreads the word about the autumn Ashes series and gives insight into the recent squad get-together. Just 100 days are left until this England side gets the chance to taste an Ashes series again and we face Australia for the first time since 2017. Me and Jack Welsby went down to London on Wednesday, driving round the city on a red bus and visiting some tourist sites for photos and filming. We're trying to grow the buzz, to get people talking about the series down there and get involved. As players, you want to be involved in the biggest of games, and I don't see many bigger - if any. Even though there is still a lot of rugby to be played in Super League, to play against Australia at the end of the year is the pinnacle. I actually don't mind doing the press and promotion. I try to do it with a smile on my face and enjoy it, because it doesn't last forever and I'll soon be retired. So I've got to enjoy being in the media, growing the game and being England captain, which is something I'm really proud of. Wane wants higher Super League intensity to prepare England for Ashes We need some Ashes glory in colour, says England's Wane Australia to tour England for first time since 2003 Being in Wane's world We had a meeting as an England group at a hotel near Manchester recently. I really enjoy the England camps. Any time we can get together is good. There were a couple of new faces in there as well, a reward for players that are doing well. It's nice to meet the new lads but also to catch up with the connections you've made over the past few years - I've got some good friends from other teams that you don't see too often unless you play against them. The main purpose of the meeting was for Shaun to get his message across to us all, and point out a few things. It was very Shaun Wane-esque in that mind, the way he delivered it. Weirdly, I'm used to it because I've had him as a coach for a very long time, from my Wigan days and now as England coach. He even says in the meetings that a lot of us will have heard this before - but he knows what he wants from his players. He doesn't go away from that. He knows what works. He's been very successful for a reason. So there were some home truths. Some of the lads already know what they need to do better but it's not nice to see it there in the room; people missing tackles or doing things he doesn't value within a team. It's not personal. He's not having a go at the individual. It's the bigger picture. He is showing us what is not acceptable - and if we continue to do those things, we won't be in the team. It's a tough school. To represent England, you've got to be at your best and that goes for all of us. Whether you're first time in or one of the seniors, there are certain standards you have to reach and he won't go away from them, so everyone knows what he expects. There are no grey areas. Sometimes you won't like what he's saying but you know where you stand. I definitely value it. It's something I took away from playing for Shaun - driving up standards. Origin a good barometer for Ashes test From the Australia side there has been a few things mentioned about what they will do now Mal Meninga has stepped down, but we saw what they could be capable of in State of Origin. I always watch Origin. It's a massive part of the game down in Australia. And a lot of those players will transfer to the Australia team. As much as I do enjoy watching it, it's a little bit of homework as well. I'm sure they'll find someone to fill the coach role. They're the best - and have been a long time - so we're expecting the best of them. They're the number one and we're looking forward to challenging ourselves against them. We're looking to win - there's no doubt about it. 'Opportunities I have to listen to' Right now there's a lot of negotiating going on and logistics surrounding my future beyond 2025, so I'm leaving it up to my agent. I've had some great, respectful conversations with Warrington - everything's above board and there are no bad feelings between anyone involved. I'd be stupid not to listen to a great opportunity from the Australian NRL and I think the club understand that. I've stressed to them it's not the case that I hate it here and I'm wanting out - but some things arise in life and I'd hate to have any regrets. We'll have some good, honest conversations and see what will happen. Get in the 'six', anyone's game We've won three in a row at Warrington now and given ourselves a chance to get back into the Super League's top six. The win over Catalans down in Perpignan was a tough one, and the weather was mad. First of all we were happy to get in and out of there with a win, but it was 30C and cracking the flags on the Thursday and Friday we were there - and then come game day on the Saturday, it decided to have a storm for five or six hours. It wasn't ideal. It was hot, muggy and the ball was slippy as anything. We didn't play well either, but I'd rather play rubbish and win than play well and lose. We've had a rollercoaster of a year. We've lacked consistency but now we've a great chance to keep our season alive. Get in the six, and it's anybody's game. If we beat Castleford at the weekend, it's four from four. We have to go into work with a smile on our face and work hard. Feeling sad won't do anything. We want to be better.
