Elliot Minchella reveals pride in his father as he builds up for England debut
ELLIOT Minchella does not have to look far for the example that proves he will have his England team-mates’ backs on his Test debut.
Just a glimpse of what his dad Chris is doing for pal Steve Pryce has taught him the value of support.
The ex-Hunslet player was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease after being told he had dementia at the age of just 52.
But rather than stand back, former team-mate Chris converted his garage into accommodation so he can live there.
And seeing his old man care for a mate has inspired the Hull KR loose forward on his journey to the Test set-up.
Loose forward Minchella said: “Dad’s converted his house and adapted it so Steve can live more comfortably and easily. He’s put a lot of hard work in.
“It’s sad to see Steve the way he is but he’s got amazing people around him and my dad does an amazing job.
“He’s his carer and does it all off his own back. He’s doing it to be a good mate and he’s a great role model for me as it shows the power of friendship is massive.
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“Dad and Steve met playing rugby league and they’ve had a friendship ever since. Rugby league’s about working hard for and looking after your mates – dad’s in his 50s and he’s still doing it.
“He’s a great role model for me to see him do that. I can take lessons from that. It’s great what he’s doing.”
Minchella’s path to the England set-up has not exactly been smooth. After leaving Leeds under a disciplinary cloud in 2015, he found himself working on building sites.
Now after playing part-time for Sheffield, he has worked his way back to the top – with an attitude of never letting moments pass him by.
The 28-year-old added: “A few years ago, being in tis sort of environment felt a world away.
“I got into a bit of trouble off the field and had to go part-time, working as a labourer on a building site. There were dark days but it makes weeks like this feel all the sweeter.
“The winter was tough. When I was on a building site in Bradford and it was raining or snowing, I didn’t think I’d be playing for England.
“That wouldn’t have entered my head. I was just trying to get back full-time. I did that with Bradford, then my next goal was to get back into Super League.
“I did that with Hull KR, then my next one was to establish myself as a regular. Your goals evolve as your career evolves. Just push yourself, that’s my mindset.
“Hopefully that gives people who’ve been in my position, playing in the Championship, something to hold on to.
“It shows there’s a bit of hope there and it shaped me into who I am today.”
It is a good job Minchella held off booking a holiday in case the call from boss Shaun Wane came – he would have had some explaining to do otherwise.
Now he has headed to Toulouse for today’s (Sat) Test, he is glad he did.
He told SunSport: “My missus was trying to convince to book a trip away but I held off with my fingers crossed that I’d be here. Luckily I am.
“She’s coming out to France, so she’s getting her trip away. I’ve the rest of my life to go on holiday.”