Will Skelton reflects on decade long rise from lazy rookie to Australian rugby’s most important export

The Wallabies only overseas-based player, Will Skelton is a scary proposition for the British and Irish Lions and even he can’t recognise the player he was the last time he faced the Lions in 2013.

Will Skelton found himself watching a replay last week of his game for NSW against the British & Irish Lions in 2013, and quickly realised his own evolution.

“I watched the game and I went ‘Far out’, I walked like a lot of that game,” Skelton said.

“I wasn’t actually that good, didn’t have too many involvements and it was probably my third professional game so I wanted to have a look at what the atmosphere was like, how I was as a player then, how I’ve changed, how I’ve improved, and just taking it in as experience because I know in a few weeks, that’s coming.”

Will Skelton poses during an Australian Wallabies visit to Stanmore Public School. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images for ARU

As the only overseas-based player picked in the 36-man Wallabies squad for the Test against Fiji on July 6, a precursor to the Lions series, Skelton has transformed himself from lazy rookie into Australian rugby’s most important export.

He was named captain of the 2023 World Cup squad by then coach Eddie Jones, a campaign that ended in disaster for Skelton and the Wallabies as he was injured early and they were knocked out in the pool stages.

Now Skelton is on the verge of another major career milestone.

“The Lions are a special team, it’s a great occasion for Australian rugby so I was excited and I wanted to see what it was like back then and that was a crazy time,” Skelton said of the Lions’ 47-17 win over the Waratahs in Sydney.

“I remember a lot of games in my career, but sometimes I like to watch the old ones to see if I had some funny moments in games or I did this in the scrum or something like that so it’s more nostalgia for me.”

Skelton nearly scored a try for NSW in the 23rd minute of the match, losing the ball over the line in a tackle, after a trick play from a lineout.

The old highlights of a 21-year-old behemoth are in stark contrast to the now 33-year-old who has become a leader, tactician, and recognised around the world as one of the most damaging players in the game.

Will Skelton has become one of the most damaging players in the game.

At 203cm and 135kg, Skelton always possessed the raw materials to be destructive, but over the past few years has finetuned his body and game nous to now stand as a thunderous weapon in a gold jersey.

If selected against the Lions, Skelton will play a major role in repelling the tourists’ expected physicality, while breaking through their stifling defence.

“I’ll try and be myself,” Skelton said.

“They’ve got some great players but we’ve also got some weapons in this team and I think it’s trying to fulfil that as best as we can come those big games, especially first against Fiji.

“I think Aussie rugby in the last two years has improved a lot, and especially this Wallaby team, they’re playing a brand of footy that the whole country is getting behind and that’s really where we want to really take it to these guys.

“Any time you’re picked for the Australian squad it’s special, and I never take that for granted. Every time I get a phone call that I’ll be involved or if I’m keen to still play, it’s something that I love doing, that I’m really proud to represent this country.

Will Skelton signs autographs for school students. Picture: DAVID GRAY / AFP

“I think every player, especially myself, you want to put your best foot forward especially for your country and not just club rugby, so that’s definitely a point where I want to put my hand up and give more to this team, give more to this jersey and hopefully the preparation that we have in the next few weeks puts me in good stead to be able to play and show what I can do.”

The Wallabies assemble in Sydney’s Double Bay on Sunday to prepare for the Fiji clash, minus a select few Western Force players who will remain in Perth to prepare for their game against the Lions next Saturday.

Skelton missed the shock loss to Fiji in the World Cup two years ago, that ultimately sent Australia packing early, but doesn’t see the return bout in Newcastle as a revenge mission.

“I don’t really think about making up for games,” Skelton said.

“I hate missing games, I hate getting injured but it is part of the sport.

“I think the squad, this is the first time that they’ve assembled come Sunday so for us it will be having a good week of preparation and then flying into that Fiji game. It’s going to be tough.”

Originally published as Will Skelton reflects on decade long rise from lazy rookie to Australian rugby’s most important export