Rugby-league.com: Congratulations on making your debut – who was the first person you told and what was their reaction?
Ben Currie: I found out I was in the 17 on the team walk on the morning of the game so everyone back home was in bed. The first person I messaged was my dad, then my girlfriend followed by the rest of my family. My girlfriend was the first to reply because she was up for work early that day. She was over the moon for me.
RL: What was going through your head when you found out? Did it have an impact on your game day routine?
BC: I’d prepared all week as if I was playing because Alex Walmsley had picked up a virus but I never thought I’d be playing. Being the opening game of the World Cup, there’s no better way to kick off your international career and I loved every minute.
None of this had an impact on my game day routine because I don’t have one. I used to have one but the senior players at Warrington told me I had to get rid because if ever anything got in the way it would mess with my head.
RL: Third week on tour, apart from making your debut, any highlights so far?
BC: I went Bondi Beach with a few of the lads the other day and had a great time. The weather could have been a bit better, though! Everyone’s been going on about how good the weather is over here but I’ve yet to see it kick in. We also stayed in a lovely spot in Melbourne last week which was right in the centre of the city so we could get out and explore the place.
RL: What have you been up to in Sydney so far?
BC: Sydney’s been great. Monday was a full day of training for the squad and it was a scorcher! I think it got to 35c – one of the hottest days I’ve ever trained in in my life.
Tuesday, we had a day off. I heard a few of the lads went playing golf and only lasted four holes because it was too windy – that’s what they told me!
Wednesday, back in training and preparing for Lebanon, working on our attack and defence. The facilities we have been using have been fantastic – big thank you to South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters for the use of them. We were only expecting a light lunch one day and ended up with a huge plate of steak and veg!
RL: You were involved in the 2015 camp – what did you learn from that experience that you have brought here?
BC: I was 21-years-old back then and still pretty young and developing. The coach at the time said that if we had won our first two games against New Zealand I might have had a shot at the third game but that wasn’t to be.
I’m a better player now than I was then. In 2015 I had all of these big names around me and you’re not too sure whether to go fully into it or hold back a bit. This time there aren’t any introductions as everyone knows each other really well and I hit ground running.
RL: What does your day on a plate look like when you’re in camp?
BC: Breakfast (early start) – I love cereal. In camp it would be Weetabix but if I was at home it’d be a naughty cereal
Lunch – I’m not a sushi fan but the lads keep dragging me to these places! Not a lover of seafood so I pick the chicken dishes and wings
Evening meal – If it was my choice it would be pizza but you’ve got to look after yourself during this tournament. We usually have a buffet-style option in the hotel so there’s plenty of meat and vegetables on offer
RL: You’re on the road for a few weeks – any essential items packed in the bag?
BC: My girlfriend hid a card in my bag before I left which I really appreciated. It had a few pictures in there to remind me of home. It doesn’t bother me if the lads are reading this!
RL: There’s quite a FIFA gang coming together in front of the big screen – who’s the best?
BC: I’m the champ at FIFA in the England camp, I want to make that official. We’ve been playing in doubles recently and I’ve formed a good relationship with Josh Hodgson. Josh has some great banter and he really gets under Jermaine McGillvary’s skin. Jerry gets really angry and sometimes throws the control pad away and storms off! Can I just end this by putting it out there again that I’m the best in camp at this game, thanks.
