Here is the article with the requested Markdown formatting:
Rugby League Rising Star Nsemba Overlooked for England Debut, But Firmly on National Team’s Radar
Junior Nsemba, the impressive Wigan Warriors forward, was not selected for England’s upcoming Test match against France in Toulouse this weekend, despite being viewed by many as a likely candidate for a first international call-up. However, as confirmed by assistant coach Andy Last, Nsemba remains firmly on the national team’s radar moving forward.
Nsemba has been a standout performer for Wigan so far this Super League season, quickly establishing himself as one of the competition’s most impressive forwards. His magnificent start to the campaign had many tipping him for a potential England debut.
However, Last explained that the decision to overlook Nsemba for this particular fixture was due to a lack of extensive experience at the Super League level. “He’s only a young lad,” Last said. “He’s around that ten to 12 game mark in Super League (this year), and being considered for international honours after 12 games or so is a credit to him.”
The England coaching staff believes that Nsemba needs more consistent playing time at the domestic level before making the step up to the international stage. “We want to see him play consistently for more games and then there could be an opportunity for him in this environment,” Last added.
Despite missing out on the opportunity to make his debut against France, Nsemba remains firmly in England’s long-term thinking. “Junior is someone who would be under consideration,” Last confirmed, highlighting the 23-year-old’s potential for future international selection.
With Shaun Wane recovering from surgery, Last will be leading the England team in Toulouse on Saturday. While Wane will be in constant communication with his staff, the timing of the surgery is a disappointment, as the head coach will be unable to spend time with the players and staff in the lead-up to the match.
As the rugby league world eagerly awaits Nsemba’s potential England debut, the focus remains on his continued development at the Super League level. With the national team’s eyes firmly fixed on the rising star, it’s only a matter of time before he earns his first international cap.
đź”— Source
