BY JOHN DAVIDSON
An emotional Victor Radley is happy representing his family by starring for England and has no regrets about his decision, as he readies to play in his father’s hometown of Sheffield.
Radley’s dad hails from Hoyland, in between Sheffield and Barnsley, and the forward will grace south Yorkshire’s Bramall Lane on Saturday when the hosts tackle Greece.
The Sydney Roosters man teared up at the captain’s run today as he talked about making his family proud, his heritage and playing for England at the World Cup.
“I am quite emotional to be honest,” he said.
“Probably not to my dad, I’m not going to go kiss him and hug him, but I’m an emotional person and it’s something I’ve thought about. Hearing what they’ve spoke about, I know I’ve made the right decision.
“It’s going to be a proud moment to do it for them and it’s going to be something I look back on for the rest of my life. I’m happy I’ve done it for this.”
Radley admits it is extra special to play in Sheffield, where his father was born.
“It is personal for me and special,” he said.
“It’s something I’m really looking forward to. When I chose to play for England, I looked forward to this Sheffield game and playing in front of my old man.
“Now it’s here, it’s a big occasion for the family but I’m going out to do my part for the team. I’m sure after the game I’ll see everyone and have about 20 pints.
“I spoke to Waney and mentioned it to him [playing in Sheffield] after the Samoa game, and I said I’d happy to do whatever the team needs me to do but I’ve got like 60 people coming from all over the world for this game to Sheffield.
“At the same time, my dad would have seen me play next week anyway so it makes no difference but Waney has been really good and he said he wouldn’t do that to me, so he’s got me playing this week. I want to play every game for England.”
The 24-year-old’s father arrived in the UK from Sydney on Friday morning and will be in the stands at Bramall Lane, the home of Sheffield United, to cheer his son on.
“He’s not that emotional to tell the truth” Radley said.
“He’ll be proud with his mates, looking round thinking this is alright, but he’s not too emotional. It’s just a game, he’ll love it, he won’t say too much or tell me he loves me afterwards but he’ll really enjoy it and I’ll look forward to seeing him afterwards.”
Both of Radley’s paternal grandparents have died, but he says his grandfather Derrick, who his middle name is taken from, would have been very proud.
“I met my grandma once and my granddad a few times, but both have passed away,” he said.
“They both lived in Hoyland but when I was in the pub when I first got here, a lot of people knew Derrick and that was really special. The type of person he was, I know why I am how I am but he would have been so proud.
“I think I’m going to put the Samoan jersey up in the working men’s club in Hoyland.”
England have smashed Samoa and beaten France so far in the World Cup. A likely quarter-final with Papua New Guinea admits, and Radley feels the confidence in the side growing.
“I know we can match the best teams,” he said.
“I’ve been blown away with how resilient and mentally strong this England side is. I knew they would be anyway but jeez, it’s part of the England culture to go hard and I’ve loved that.
“That’s why I think we’re going to win. The belief we’ve got for each other.”
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