Junior Nsemba’s rugby league journey began playing alongside his mates at Wigan St Judes. Now, the Wigan Warriors back rower is preparing to represent England at his first Rugby League World Cup in Australia.
For Junior Nsemba, earning a place in England’s Rugby League World Cup squad represents another milestone in a journey that began far from the international stage.
The Wigan Warriors forward will head to Australia with England to face his toughest test to date.
Brian McDermott’s England side begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga on Saturday, with Nsemba relishing the opportunity to measure himself against some of the best players and teams in the world.
“Surprised. Excited. Really happy,” was how Nsemba described his emotions when he received the news of his selection.
“It’s a massive privilege putting the England top on. Going out there with a bunch of mates wanting to do the same thing.”
Nsemba’s route to the England squad began with a change of sporting direction.
Having started out playing football, he switched to rugby league on the recommendation of a friend of his father, who pointed him towards Wigan St Judes.
It proved to be a decision that would shape his career.
“I started off at football. To be honest, I enjoyed it but I just wasn’t very good at it!” he said.
“So I switched over to rugby – I didn’t know what rugby was, but my dad’s mate recommended it, and recommended the right team, Wigan St Judes.”
At St Judes, rugby league was initially about little more than enjoying the game with friends. There were no grand ambitions of representing his country or competing on the world stage; the focus was on playing, winning and spending time together away from the pitch.
“When I was younger at Judes, it was just a game of rugby with your mates. We’re all friends doing a thing that we love – we weren’t too serious, you’d get your burger and chips after the match,” he recalled.
“After a rugby game we’d be there for hours at the clubhouse. I think that’s what made me fall in love with rugby at such a young age and it’s brought me through to now.”
From those early days at St Judes, Nsemba progressed into Wigan Warriors’ scholarship system before moving through the academy and reserves, eventually earning a full-time contract under head coach Matt Peet.
That pathway took him from a youngster simply enjoying rugby with his mates to a first-team player at one of the biggest rugby league club’s in the world – to now being an England international preparing for his first World Cup.
“Back then, I thought I’d still be playing at Judes. I didn’t really look at the bigger picture apart from enjoying my time with my mates and getting the wins,” he said.
“I feel like I’ve worked pretty hard for this. From starting in a different sport and converting to rugby, and now I’m committed to getting to this World Cup and just showcasing the hard work I’ve put in.”
Nsemba’s selection is particularly significant after a mid-season injury left him uncertain about whether he had done enough to earn a spot in McDermott’s squad.
Having missed out on the Ashes, he had been determined to build on his performances, but a lengthy spell on the sidelines brought doubts about his prospects of making the World Cup squad.
“I was pretty confident up until I got injured. I was doubting myself a little bit because I was out for quite a long period of time, so I didn’t know if what I’d already done was enough,” he explained.
McDermott’s faith in the young forward ultimately provided the opportunity he had been working towards.
Nsemba was preparing to head to the gym when the England head coach called him. The conversation initially began with a general chat about the season that had been, before delivering the news that Nsemba would be part of the squad heading to Australia.
“He said he’ll see me next week in Perth. My grin was touching my ears, I was really excited,” Nsemba said.
His first calls after the conversation were to his mum and dad, sharing news that he described as one of the biggest moments of his career.
“I phoned my mum straight after and told her to keep it on the low. I spoke to my dad as well. It was a mix of emotions – it’s like a milestone for me.”
And now, Nsemba is determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“I’ve obviously not played yet, but getting to a World Cup is still a big milestone for me. I’m forever grateful.”
England’s attention will now turn to the challenge of the World Cup, beginning with a demanding opening fixture against familiar opposition.
The match will provide an immediate test of England’s physicality and ability to perform against international opposition littered with NRL superstars and Origin representatives, with Nsemba well aware of the step up from the domestic game.
“We all know it’s a big step from club level. We need to up it a level because we’re going for the biggest trophy that there is,” he said.
“To conquer everyone and bring something back to the country.”
Tonga’s powerful forward pack will present a significant challenge, and England will need to be ready both physically and mentally from the opening whistle.
The tournament also offer the prospect of Nsemba sharing the field with close friend and fellow back-rower, Kai Pearce-Paul.
The pair have yet to have the opportunity to play alongside one another as back-rowers, making the possibility particularly exciting for the Wigan forward.
“It’s a big opportunity. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do. I don’t think me and Kai have had the opportunity to be on the pitch at the same time as back-rowers, so that’s a dream,” he said.
But Nsemba knows that friendships and club connections will count for little once the action begins. England must be ready for the intensity of the tournament and the demands of facing the world's leading rugby league nations.
For a player who once imagined himself spending his rugby career at Wigan St Judes, travelling to Australia with England represents how far hard work and dedication can take him.
Under McDermott, Nsemba has the chance to establish himself on the international stage and show what he can offer against the world's best.
He is under no illusions about the responsibility that comes with representing his country, nor about the importance of making the most of the opportunity.
“It’s a massive privilege representing England on the big stage. It’s exciting, I’m ready to put the team first,” he said.
“Brian’s put his trust in us and we need to repay him by showing our skills on the main stage.”
Nsemba’s journey from grassroots rugby to the World Cup squad is already a significant achievement. Now, with England preparing to take on Tonga before two more must-win pool fixtures against France and PNG, his focus is on making sure that selection is only the beginning.
“I’m not taking it for granted – it’s not something you get to do every day, so while I’ve got the chance, I need to ice it.”
Follow England's journey and watch the 2026 Rugby League World Cup LIVE with a Premier Sports subscription. Brian McDermott's side kick off their World Cup campaign in Perth on Saturday 17 October against Tonga.
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