Waratahs giant to aim up against the Blues

Big Will Skelton, the NSW Waratahs’ real-life Incredible Hulk, is promising to bring his giant frame to bear when he returns home to Auckland for the first time as a Super Rugby player on Friday.

The 203cm, 140kg behemoth was born and grew up – and up and up – in Auckland.

He played rugby league and idolised former New Zealand captain Roy Asotasi and watched his cousin Brad Hika represent the All Blacks.

Skelton also loved watching NPC games at Eden Park and said he couldn’t wait to return to New Zealand’s spiritual home of rugby to take on the Blues.

“I haven’t played there since I was a junior. It will be a good feeling. It will be awesome to go out there,” Skelton said on Wednesday.

“I have a lot of family in Auckland. It will feel like a home game for me.”

Skelton’s homecoming will be little more than a year after Sir Graham Henry tried to lure the massive lock to the Blues before he’d even made his debut for the Waratahs.

The 21-year-old says he never seriously considered leaving Sydney and he’s been rewarded for his loyalty by retaining his place in the Waratahs’ starting side after starring in last Saturday’s win over the Bulls.

He even impressed coach Michael Cheika with his ball skills, busting the line and putting Kurtley Beale away.

“It was an excellent ball he threw to Kurtley,” Cheika said.

“When he made that break, everyone thought that he’d take that into contact and then try and offload that around the back.

“But it was a superb ball and that shows that he’s got the muscle and also the football brain.

“He’s learning to play a little bit longer every week and he’s getting some good runs and some good carries.”

Skelton said while Cheika backs his ball-playing ability, it’s more important he provides an intimidating physical presence against the Blues.

“It would be a waste if I just go out there and try and be fancy,” he said.

“I’ve got a big body and I’ve got to use it for my team and that’s why I get picked every week, to use my physical dominance out there and use it as a strength for my team.

“I still love offloading. In league, I used to try and carry and offload.

“I back myself where, if I can get a tip-off, I’ll use it and I’ll ball play.

“But then sometimes you’ve just got to tuck it and run through the line.”

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