Luke Gale is half of England’s comedy double-act off the field — now he wants to lead them to World Cup success on it.
Gale and prop James Graham have formed a Little and Large duo that has kept team-mates and England fans on social media entertained throughout the tournament.
From chairing Sam Burgess off the field following his training return this week to criticising each other’s hairstyles and dress-sense in online videos, the pair have kept the laughs coming.
But Sunday’s quarter-final with Papua New Guinea sees the return to the serious business of trying to lift a first World Cup since 1972 and Gale believes he is growing into his role in the No.7 shirt under coach Wayne Bennett.
The reigning Steve Prescott Man of Steel said: “Wayne’s shown a lot of faith in me.
“I’m still not where I want to be, I’ve still got some improvement in my game. I’m looking forward to pulling on the jersey on Sunday and showing that improved performance.
“It’s been a bit different to playing for Cas — it’s a bit more of a possession game over here and we probably throw the ball a bit more at Cas. But you’re still playing rugby.
“The combinations is the main difference, you’re used to week-in, week-out, with your club team.
“It’s a bit different in this environment, but I think we’re getting there.”
Gale certainly saw signs of improving combinations in the first half of last Sunday’s 36-6 win over France.
Bennett selected a new creative spine, with Gareth Widdop moving to full-back and Kevin Brown coming in at stand-off, a line-up he has stuck with for the PNG test in Melbourne.
Gale said: “Everything went smoothly in the first half – our plays went well and that’s the type of football we want to play.
“Kev plays with real good structure and talks great and Gaz was outstanding at full-back.
“He’s an extra half and as a team I thought we worked real well and scored some great tries early on.
“We got lost a bit second half with a few to many errors, but overall I was happy with how it went.
“I think PNG have been outstanding so far this tournament. They’ve been good to watch and they’re a physical side – we’re expecting a big challenge.
“When you play the islanders, they’re all big, physical men and it will be a test. But our boys are ready. Everything’s on the line and I think you’ll see an improved England performance this week.”