'Being versatile could work in my favour,' says Ben Currie

VERSATILITY has always been a trait that has endeared Ben Currie to international head coaches.

And having added another string to his bow during this year, the Warrington Wolves man believes he can be of even more value to England boss Shaun Wane.

Throughout his career for club and country, Currie has played in a variety of positions outside of the second-row berth he has predominantly featured in.

Indeed, his last England appearance saw him start in the centres in the third Test against Tonga last year, while he’s even popped up in the halves on occasion.

In 2024, he has injected himself into the middle-unit conversation with some impressive displays at loose forward for The Wire.

Wherever he plays, however, he insists he’d just be happy to represent his country for what would be the 10th time against France today, where he looks set to start in the back row alongside club teammate Matty Nicholson.

“I think it does,” he said when asked if he thought being versatile came in handy at international level.

“I’d love to tie a certain position down for international but having the versatility I’ve got can get you in squads for major tournaments so I’m happy either way.

“I’m looking forward to training to see where I end up playing.

“Either way I’ll put my hand up to play – I’ve played centre before, I’ve filled in at half, I’ll play anywhere for England, so we’ll see what happens.”

In this particular camp, competition for the number 13 role he has made his own for his club comes from Hull KR skipper Elliot Minchella, who would be making his senior England debut in Toulouse.

He has previously spoken to the Warrington Guardian about his thoughts on the move in-field from the edges, and now he says doing so for his country would be a dream come true.

“I grew up as a 13, it’s something I always wanted to do,” he said.

“The dream was to always be a 13 and a 13 for your country so if that happens, I’ll be over the moon.

“Obviously, the game changed as I came through and the back-row suited me more, but the game is kind of changing back a little bit where the 13 is getting a little bit more involved with a bit more ball-playing so I’m really enjoying it.

“I’ve been hinting for a couple of years to try and get back there, and Sam (Burgess) finally took the chance this year and hopefully it’s paying off.

“I just feel you control more of what happens. In the back-row sometimes you are kind of waiting a bit for the ball to come to you whereas a 13 you are kind of involved from the off.

“Obviously it’s tougher in defence – it’s non-stop, tackle after tackle, but it gets you in the game and get you involved instead of sometimes letting the game pass you by.

“I pride myself on my fitness. Not many people can do full games or big minutes through the middle so I pride myself on that and hopefully I can keep building on it.”