Sam Walters discusses World Cup ambitions after Wigan Warriors forward earns first England involvement
Sam Walters is one of eight Wigan Warriors players in England’s 38-strong performance squad
Sam Walters says his England World Cup ambitions will be decided by his performances for Wigan Warriors after earning his first call-up to Brian McDermott’s performance squad.
The 25-year-old forward was named in McDermott’s 38-man performance squad alongside seven of his Wigan team-mates ahead of this year’s Rugby League World Cup. It marks Walters’ first involvement with England’s senior set-up, with the squad expected to be reduced to around 24 players for the tournament, which takes place Down Under this autumn.
Walters received the news in June while serving a seven-match suspension following Wigan’s Challenge Cup final victory over Hull KR at Wembley in May.
“We got an email,” said Walters, who has made two appearances since returning from his ban.
“I was delighted to be involved in that, it’s my first one, but it’s just the performance squad at the moment, it doesn’t really mean too much. Obviously, it’s a stepping stone, but I know full well that the hard work starts again now if I want to be there at the end of the year.
“And focusing on my club form and what I do on the field for us at the weekends, just take it week by week and not look forward to it too much... Obviously, it’s an amazing opportunity that I want to try and take with both hands and get on that plane, but I know it just comes down to what I do day in, day out, and week to week with my club.”
Walters has become an important member of Matt Peet’s pack over the last two seasons, featuring in both the front-row and back-row.
While he is yet to have a one-to-one conversation with new England coach McDermott, Walters has been encouraged by what he has seen from the former Leeds Rhinos boss.
“Not one-on-one, it’s been more group sessions and stuff, and there is a bit of logistics involved with him being on the other side (of the world),” Walters explained.
“But it all seems pretty positive at the moment, he seems like he’s got a good outlook on how he wants us to play and stuff, so obviously I’m excited to be a part of it, but it’s still early days, and there is still a lot of competition for places.”