Giants ace Crabtree on dream England call

Jun 4 2009 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

BIG Eorl Crabtree believes his England call-up will inspire him to produce even better performances for the Giants.

The Huddersfield prop, along with teammate Scott Moore, was yesterday confirmed in the England squad for the one-off Test against France in Paris a week on Saturday (June 13).

The 26-year-old’s call-up comes on the back of another top-quality performance for his hometown club in Sunday’s thrilling 16-14 Challenge Cup quarter-final home triumph over Castleford Tigers.

And he is hoping that his form can now get even better on the back of a first senior England Test call.

“When Nathan (Brown) gave me the nudge I was absolutely delighted,” said Crabtree, who will be making a first appearance for what was the former Great Britain side.

“I did earn nine caps for the old England team a few years ago when we were effectively the Great Britain second team, so this latest call-up is far more significant. This is the dream call.

“Although I have felt my performances this year have been pretty good, this announcement still came out of the blue, and I know I can still get much better.

“I’m just hoping this call-up will give me a bit more inspiration and motivation, and that I can now do even better for the Giants to help us keep building and make sure I can stay in the England squad for a long time to come.

“And under Browny I believe that can happen.

“He’s really helped make my performances better and more consistent, giving me a role that uses me as positively as I can.