JUNIOR Nsemba is ready to get the band back together with one part of West Africa cheering for England.
His mother may also have calmed down if he faces Samoa following a frantic phone call after he made the initial squad.
3
Wigan back rower Nsemba is the new name in boss Shaun Wane’s 31-man party ahead of the two Test series following a stellar breakout season.
News of his inclusion was also greeted with as much enthusiasm in Garoua as it was in Golborne as much of his family still lives in Cameroon.
It was also met with approval in Newcastle, New South Wales as it means pal Kai Pearce-Paul will be back alongside him.
Yet Nsemba’s first action as an England player was to work out what his mother, Giselle, was on about.
He said: “She sent it to me first after seeing it on social media. She was buzzing. I spoke to Shaun but my mum sent me the Instagram graphic.
“She was just on the phone and didn’t know what to say. She was just making noises! That was nice to hear, whatever she was saying.
“She was screaming. There were a lot of emotions – pride, excitement and telling me to keep my head down. Dad was just very monotone. Well done, that’s it!
“Hearing her saying how proud she was made me happy and I sent it to my dad and the rest of the family in Cameroon – if I play for England, they’ll all be backing me in West Africa.
“And when you get that call-up, you just want to impress Shaun, to prove to him why you’re there. Rugby league’s all about competition, so I’ve just got to compete against everyone in it for a place in the team, including Kai.
“I’d be at his house every day and we’d go to the beach. We were close and we still talk to him now, he sent me a message after my call-up.
3
“I know what he’s like and he knows what I’m like, on and off the pitch. So it’s a good connection.”
Nsemba’s impact as a Wigan player cannot be denied. After stepping in following Willie Isa’s injury, he is now the best young player in the country.
Super League opponents are skittled regularly as the Warriors go for an awesome foursome in 2024 – Samoa may also be in his sights.
Not bad for a devout Christian who regards himself as a ‘clown’ away from the field.
3
Nsemba, 20, added: “everything I do, I do it for God. I’m a Christian and he’s got a path for me.
“I’m calm around the dressing room at Wigan, but normally I’m a clown. Whenever I’m with my mates, you’ll see me dancing and jumping around.
“On the pitch, you’ve just to flick that switch. It’s your job, isn’t it? So I’ve got to put a performance on – not just entertain the crowd but do what the coaches say.
“Even getting the call-up is a special moment for me. I’m still learning, so I’ll pick up loads from the likes of Kai, John Bateman and Mike McMeeken.”