Standing 6ft 5in tall with an impressive physique, Junior Nsemba has all the tools to thrive at any sport.

With cousin Alex and uncle Rigobert Song having played at football’s highest level for clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona, the round ball game appeared the likely route to prowess.

Indeed, he initially did love playing football with his pals. Yet the young boy of Cameroonian heritage had his head turned by a very different game. Rugby league.

Growing up in Wigan, it was perhaps inevitable that this deeply-rooted code would end up capturing his heart.

“I was doing both at the same time at a point but I fell in love with rugby league when I touched a rugby ball,” Nsemba, 19, told BBC Sport.

“You can tell as a rugby community that it is like a family. Once I got the ball playing for Wigan St Judes it was amazing, I didn’t want to go back.”

It has been a decision which has paid off handsomely. Having forged a place in the side, Nsemba is set to feature for Wigan Warriors as they take on Warrington Wolves in Saturday’s Challenge Cup final.

Football’s loss is absolutely rugby league’s gain.