Family sacrifices pay dividends as Eorl Crabtree set to star against the Aussies

Nov 13 2009 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

EORL Crabtree’s family has been with him through the highs and the lows – and tomorrow will be an ultimate high.

EORL Crabtree’s family has been with him through the highs and the lows – and tomorrow will be an ultimate high.

Many people don’t realise how tough life as a professional rugby player can be, but big Eorl Crabtree’s wife Helen, and three children know only too well.

Eorl plays for England in tomorrow’s Gillette Four Nations final against Australia in Leeds – and that will be all the more special as he was left out of an England squad to play against Australia a couple of years ago.

In the 10 years he and Helen have been together, she has witnessed the highs and lows the 27-year-old Giants’ Super League prop forward has been through to reach the very top of the rugby league ladder.

She admits sacrifices have had to be made during the past decade to guarantee her husband has been able to fulfil his dream – and it also means children Connor, 14, Joe 12 and seven-year-old Lilly have had to make sacrifices too as holidays have been rare in recent times.

But Helen believes it’s a price worth paying and that playing against the mighty Kangaroos at Elland Road this weekend will be the icing on the cake.

“We’re all so proud of what Eorl has achieved and there will be no prouder moment than tomorrow,” said 36-year-old Helen.

“I’ve been with Eorl since he was 17, which was also when he signed for the Giants.

“During that time I’ve seen how much time, effort and commitment he’s put in to get to the very top of his sport. It’s been his dream from day one to play for his country against Australia – and he’s now done that.