DANNY BROUGH reckons he is playing the best rugby league of his career right now.

As he plots the downfall of Bradford Bulls at the Galpharm on Sunday (3.00), Brough hailed the benefits of a full pre-season in Nathan Brown’s buoyant Giants squad – which helped him gain England selection.

“I did think my chance had gone with gland because I didn’t play consistently for all last year,” said the 28-year-old, who has given up on his chance to play in the next World Cup for Scotland.

“I would have a good game and then a bad game.

“If internationals don’t have a good game, it’s a steady game, whereas I might have had a good game followed by a bad one.

“The best players are consistent week in, week out and that’s what I want to achieve.

“My start to the season helped Steve (McNamara) pick me in the squad. I think I’m probably playing the best rugby I’ve played for some time, now that Nathan Brown has had a pre-season with me.”

Arguably the best tactical kicker in Super League, Brough is hoping for the chance to plug a glaring deficiency for England during their disappointing Four Nations campaign.

McNamara, who also has Rob Burrow (Leeds) and Richie Myler (Warrington) as well as fellow Giant Luke Robinson to choose from for the No7 role, has recognised the marked improvement in Brough’s game this year.

“His form has been consistent and I think he’s matured as a young man as well,” he said. “He’s got some real strengths to his game in some areas where we were not strong.

“I’m really pleased for Danny. I know he’s 28 but he’s like a young kid with his enthusiasm.”

Meanwhile, Brough is tipping his Huddersfield captain and half-back partner Kevin Brown to earn an England recall for the Four Nations Series.

The former Wigan player made his England debut against France last June and played against New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in the Four Nations in Australia before being omitted from McNamara’s elite squad.

“I was surprised and shocked for Kev, although there are good sixes in the camp,” said Brough.

“It would have been nice to take our club partnership onto the international stage.

“But Kev will get his head down and I think he’ll be back in the international squad by the end of the year.”