With all the buzz surrounding the autumn Ashes series, Wigan Warriors forward Junior Nsemba seems to be one of the stars being used to promote the internationals in England.
It might have been a surprise appearance at Wembley, but Warriors star Nsemba was in attendance for the Cup Finals Day over the weekend for media duties to push the test series.
He was spotted before Warrington Wolves’ captain’s run on Friday, taking some promotional shots and videos on the Wembley pitch in full England attire, along with sharing his experiences on his Instagram account.
Nsemba looks to be a shoo-in for England coach Shaun Wane’s Ashes series squad come October, but it could be one of the most competitive squads to date for England.
With many players playing well in multiple positions, nobody is a certainty for selection, including Nsemba, which he admits gives him the motivation to improve week on week.
Speaking to BBC Sport before the Cup final, he said: “I feel like Wigan as a team are doing well, we’re connecting on and off the field, so that is making each player a better player.
“I need to do my game so that Waney can see that I want to be in that Ashes series. It’s obviously a big accomplishment to get in his side, so hopefully he sees that (hard work).
England boss Wane is constantly keeping tabs on both Super League and NRL-based players ahead of the Ashes, but the Wigan Warriors forward shared that he’s very clear on what he wants from every single player.
He added: “Wane doesn’t favour anyone, but he tells us how it is. When we do have meetings, he’ll tell us what we need to do to improve and stay consistent in the England team.”
Wigan Warriors star on representing his country and playing in front of sold-out Ashes series crowds
As one of the most marketable rugby league players in England and not only a star for the future but also the now, Nsemba is relishing the idea of playing more for his country as well as representing them in the Ashes series.
What would it mean to him to play in the Ashes?: “It would mean the world, the Australians are seen as the top dogs for me, and I think that England are seen as the underdogs.
“With Everton being sold out and Headingley being sold out, it shows that the fans are behind us, so if we can get a few more to Wembley, then it will give us the extra 10% that we need.”
With additional tickets now available in the upper tier at Wembley for the first test, it’s sure to be an exciting autumn for England fans.
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