He’s one of the most exciting natural talents that rugby league has unearthed for years, but rising star Will Pryce has promised to ignore both the hype and the critics as he bids to emulate his father and take the sport by storm.
The teenage son of Great Britain superstar Leon Pryce is gearing up for his first full Betfred Super League season after a breathtaking breakthrough year at Huddersfield.
A sparkling 12-match Giants cameo brought the 19-year-old immediate international recognition with a try-scoring debut for the England Knights. Pryce, though, says he is learning from his father the need to block out both plaudits and critics as he sets about building his career.
”The first people that big you up are the first people who will knock you down,” Pryce told the Sportsman.
“Not everything is going to go right for me this year and I know that is coming.
“I’ve learned not to put too much pressure on myself. There is pressure from the fans and the media, and people who set expectations, but they are just people who come to watch the game.”
Under the guidance of dad Leon, a Super League great who enjoyed a trophy-laden career for Bradford, St Helens, Hull FC and Catalans, Will is learning to remain grounded in the spotlight as excitement grows around his frightening natural talent.
“I’m there to entertain but to do my job first and foremost and get the team the win,” he says.
“I have never played weekly Super League, I’m not used to it. So I need to get my body and mind ready for it. I haven’t experienced this yet so who knows what will happen. I just need to remember my goals and what my own morals are as a person.”
I was on commentary with Leon when Will made his Huddersfield debut last summer and marked a lively appearance with a try. His dad was (for once) lost for words, so overcome was he to witness the culmination of years of dedication and sacrifice to fulfil a dream.
Keeping his son grounded has been Leon’s big focus, and given the maturity and depth with which Will already speaks, it appears his father is doing a good job.
“The biggest thing for me is realising to take it all in and experience it while it is happening,” said Pryce, who is set to play full-back for Huddersfield this season.
“I played 12 games last season and just because I kicked on and was confident, people now look at me as if I played a full season. I was lucky to even get one game last season but it instilled confidence in me that I’m good enough to play at this level.
“I’m my own man, I’m my own player and my team-mates tell me I’m good enough. It is about experiencing it and living in the moment, and being excited in that experience.
“It’s about learning, being a coachable person and a coachable player. Take everything in, to give yourself the best opportunity.”
Pryce and Huddersfield kick off their Betfred Super League season away at promoted Toulouse next Saturday.
