England rugby league coach Shaun Wane has hailed Sydney Roosters lock Victor Radley as the "man's man" he can't wait to coach at the Rugby League World Cup next month.
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All Wane wants now is for the 24-year-old firebrand to come through the NRL finals with the Roosters unscathed, starting with Sunday's elimination semi-final against South Sydney.
When Radley decided to represent England and honour his father Nigel's heritage, it was music to Wane's ears.
"I was so pleased when Victor put his hand up to be English and wanted to play for us. He is a player I have admired at the Roosters for years and years," Wane told AAP.
"To have the chance to coach him ... I am looking forward to it.
"Victor is a man's man. He suits us, and he suits me.
"Of course, he is a tough as teak and hits very well. He is going to epitomise what we are about as an England team.
"We are not flashy as a country. We want to do all the simple things really well and that is what Victor does as his standard."
Wane spoke of his admiration for the two-time premiership winner's skill, defensive grit and rough and tumble ways, all the reasons why he is loved by his Roosters teammates and is so vital to their finals chances.
When Radley reached up and held giant Melbourne enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona by the throat in the round-24 clash it was the kind of David v Goliath confrontation that summed up the Roosters lock.
Wane was concerned when Radley was convulsing on the ground after a head collision with Storm forward Jesse Bromwich in the same match, but relieved that he has recovered for the finals.
"It happens. It is a tough game," Wane said.
"Victor plays above his weight with the way he hits and takes the ball to the line. He plays like a 110-kilo front-rower, but he is not that big.
"The total desire he shows to win and squeeze and wrestle is going to fit in with us perfectly."
Wane harked back to a trifecta of quality English international lock forwards who Radley reminded him of in various ways.
He referenced St Helens legend Harry Pinner, 1979 Man of Steel forward and former Great Britain captain Doug Laughton and Malcolm Reilly, who won two premierships with Manly (1972 and 1973) and played in the 1970 Ashes-winning Great Britain side.
"Victor is in the category because he has the toughness and skill. We have had many wonderful players like that," he said.
"The extra dimension to Victor is how skilful he is - the way he carries the ball, his technical nous and his pass.
"He has the creativity of another half with the way he links with supports on the left, the right and in the middle."
Australian Associated Press
