Salford hooker is in line for an England debut against France on Saturday after a long and difficult road to the top
For most of England’s World Cup squad, remembering where they were the last time the tournament was played on these shores nine years ago is a straightforward task. Andy Ackers, however, needs a moment to refresh his memory, and understandably so.
“I can’t even think that far back – how old would I have been?” Ackers asks on the eve of his Test debut. The answer to his question is 19, and while most of his teammates in England’s Group A game against France on Saturday would have been full-time professionals just starting their careers in Super League, Ackers’ journey to the pinnacle of international rugby league is somewhat different.
