England Rugby League

Honour to play for England

Tuesday 8th June 10

I’ve been lucky enough to win quite a few team honours in the game but representing my country is the best thing I’ve ever done .

I’ve been lucky to have a long international career but it doesn’t make it any less special each year and I’m incredibly honoured.

When you get towards the latter end of your career you certainly make the most of it and savour each moment. I’d love to play for England forever but I know that’s not going to be the case!

Steve McNamara has picked a few of the older guys, myself and Jamie Peacock in particular, but he’s certainly got an eye on the future with some of the younger players he’s included in the squad. They’ve got huge potential and can look forward to long international careers in their own right. If I can help these young players that’s great 
I’d love to play for England in the 2013 World Cup but I’m a realist. I’ve been reasonably happy with my club form and with all the technical advances  and advice on nutrition and recovery  you can play a bit longer now.

It’s a goal of mine to play at the highest level for as long as I can. I’ve got another two years on my  Wolves deal and it could be a new goal for me to represent England in the World Cup – nothing’s impossible!

The  experience that myself, Gareth Ellis, Sam Burgess and Gareth Widdop have of playing in the NRL is invaluable particularly when you play against the Aussies and the Kiwis. If you look at the New Zealand side, they tended to struggle in the past but as soon as they got the majority of their squad playing in NRL they improved dramatically. The more English players we have over there the better because it will improve them personally and the national team as well.

I’m not surprised they’re doing well over there. They were very talented players before they went out and had proved themselves in Super League that they were among the best in the business.

I think English players perhaps hold the NRL in too much esteem. It’s a tough competition and the standards are probably just slightly ahead of Super League but I’m confident that all the England players could go over there and not just hold down a regular place but be stand outs. Sam (Burgess) and Gaz (Ellis), even Flanno (Mark Flanagan) have proved they can mix it with the best.

This game against France is vital preparation. It’s a Test match in its own right and first and foremost we want to win the game but it’s great that we get a chance mid-year to spend a week in each other’s company and familiarise ourselves with the moves and that kind of thing.

I thought we did some really good stuff in the Gillette Four Nations last year although we failed at the final hurdle. It’s good that we get the opportunity to tap into that and it’s great preparation for the end of the year.

Everyone is very impressed with Steve, he’s very enthusiastic. He served his apprenticeship under Tony (Smith) and has some great ideas. Everyone’s got 100 per cent faith in him and what he can do. This is his first game in charge and everybody is excited.