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Junior Nsemba finally feeling like he belongs after Super League Dream

Wigan starlet could crash into the England team after breakthrough campaign

Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com – 19/09/2024 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 27 – Wigan Warriors v Salford Red Devils – The Brick Community Stadium, Wigan, England – Junior Nsemba of Wigan breaks through the Salford defence

JUNIOR Nsemba is finally feeling confident after a Dream of a season – that could end with an England jersey.

The Wigan star has made Super League’s Dream Team following a string of stellar performances as they chase an awesome foursome of trophies.

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Junior Nsemba feels more confident as a player now he has made Super League’s Dream Team

Now the back rower has a place alongside the competition’s best, he is now feeling like he belongs at that level.

And as the Warriors are two wins for a quadruple, the 20-year-old has learned how to approach big games.

Nsemba said: “I’ve got confidence in myself a bit now. I feel this season has been a good one for me, as well as the team.

“I feel my confidence has definitely grown since last season and that it’s presenting itself on the pitch.

“And while we know how big the occasions are, we don’t want to put too much pressure on ourselves.

“I asked about dealing with occasions around the time of the Challenge Cup final. Even though that and the Grand Final are different, they’re still big.

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“I spoke to Liam Farrell and saw what was going on and how to deal with the pressure. I’d like to think I approach it as a normal game but I put a bit of pressure on myself.

“It’s a bigger occasion, so I need to do better – but once I pray, it calms me down.”

Nsemba’s displays in his breakthrough year have earned him a place in England boss Shaun Wane’s extended squad for the forthcoming Test series with Samoa.

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Nsemba is one of four Wigan players to make the best side of 2024

Home-based stars all met up recently, for a get together and brief video session – even that was a bit of a ‘pinch me’ moment.

Nsemba added: “I was definitely nervous. Meeting people when you’re sat down, chilled out, is different to coming across them on the pitch!”

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