Jordy Crowther using new Warrington boss Sam Burgess as example to follow
Wolves forward looked up to his boss when he was a playing superstar
JORDY Crowther hopes to take a leaf out of new Warrington boss Sam Burgess’ book by becoming a player opponents hate facing.
The England rugby league legend has already made an impact at Warrington after taking charge as he looks to change standards and attitudes.
And back rower Crowther hopes the player he admired as a young fan can help him become just like the idol.
He said: “He was a big enforcer and not many players would’ve wanted to play against him, that’s probably the player I want to be.
“I want to be a player that team-mates love to play alongside but other teams hate playing against.
“I always used to watch Sam, especially when he went to South Sydney. He was such a big name there and as a fellow Yorkshireman, you don’t get many English players who go and have the impact he had.
“He’s very big on culture and hard work, which is what he based his game on. You knew he may upset a few people but get the culture how he wanted it and get the lads bought into that.
“Every time we train, he’s champing at the bit to join in. When we have wrestle sessions, he’s there getting geed up and involved. He could probably still play if his shoulder wasn’t banged up.
“And I can pick his brain. He’s been there and done it all.”
Crowther, 26, played his way to a full-time move to Warrington after impressing on loan last season and a switch to Castleford falling through.
And life out of his Wakefield comfort zone is suiting him just fine ahead of his return to action at Hull KR tonight as he added: “When I decided to stay full time, I knew Sam would be coach but from the first week I came, when Daryl Powell was in charge, I wanted to stay.
“For me, it was a no brainer
“I was probably too comfortable at Wakefield, that’s nothing on them it’s more to do with where my head was at.
“So coming here was a fresh challenge for me and it was like starting over again. I definitely needed to be on my best game here.
“I feel 100 per cent better than I was at Wakefield. When I came here, I didn’t know anyone at the club. It was a completely different scenario that I’d never been in before.
“That forced me to bring my best every day and that’s progressed me as a player.”