EORL CRABTREE is hoping the importance of Sunday’s Giants’ pre-season home clash against Hull KR will take the attention away from the fact it’s his testimonial match!

The England prop will enter the Galpharm Stadium pitch ahead of the 2.30pm kick-off with the players from both teams forming a guard of honour.

Crabtree is to be escorted onto the field with his children and will then make a short speech before two full-strength Super League sides prepare for battle.

And the 28-year-old believes the fact it’s the first time this year both teams will be fielding their ‘big guns’ should be the main focus of attention.

“I don’t think I’ll get too caught up in the emotion of the occasion, but I may get a bit embarrassed about being the centre of attention,” admitted Crabtree, who is being honoured for his 10 years at his hometown club.

“Yes, this is supposed to be my game, but I think it’s far more important than that, and I hope that’s what the fans will focus on.

“We’ve worked incredibly hard as a squad throughout pre-season and Sunday’s game is the chance for everyone to see how things are progressing ahead of the start of the season.

“Hull KR are going to be fielding their strongest possible squad, so this match is going to be a genuine test for us.

“By the time this game is over, the coaching staff will hopefully know a lot more about the way we’re developing. They should know a lot more about where we’re going right and where we’re going wrong and then take the necessary steps.

“That’s the major significance of next Sunday.”

And Crabtree will go into the contest knowing he is 100% fit after undergoing close-season surgery on his injured left elbow.

“It feels really good now and I don’t expect it to give me any problems at all next weekend,” he added. “In fact, Baloo (assistant coach Paul Anderson) was really putting me through my paces last week to test me out, and I came through it with no reaction at all. If I can survive something as tough as that, I think I can survive almost anything!”