Rugby League Star Nicholson’s Pursuit of England Glory
Warrington Wolves forward Matty Nicholson is determined to add to his solitary England cap this year, after making his debut in the national team’s 64-0 rout of France in 2022.
The 20-year-old has become a vital part of Warrington’s forward pack since joining the club from rivals Wigan Warriors midway through the 2022 season. With England set to face France again in Toulouse in June 2024, Nicholson is hopeful of representing his country on the international stage once more.
“If anyone said they weren’t thinking about wanting to play for England they’d be lying to you, it’s obviously the pinnacle,” Nicholson told Love Rugby League. “I was lucky enough to make my debut last year and it was one of the best days of my life, so that’s another goal for me this year, hopefully I can get in that squad (for the France test) and play for England again.”
Nicholson provided an insight into the camaraderie and high standards that come with an England camp, describing it as a “step up from club level.”
“You go into a camp and some of the blokes you’ve never met before,” Nicholson explained. “You play against them week in, week out, but you get to know them as people and when you’re playing against them you don’t think much of it but then you end up being really close with them.”
The versatile forward is also benefiting greatly from having legendary player Sam Burgess as his head coach at Warrington, who has been a valuable mentor to the young talent.
“Really beneficial,” Nicholson said of working under Burgess. “I think I’ve said a few times that there’s no one better to learn from really, he played a similar position to me and obviously his career speaks for itself.”
With Warrington sitting fourth in the Super League table and in the Challenge Cup semi-finals, Nicholson is well-positioned to push for a return to the England setup in the lead-up to the 2024 clash with France.
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