HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS utility forward David Faiumu is relishing the chance to go head-to-head with clubmate Danny Brough in the Origin Series.
New Zealander Faiumu was this week named in the Exiles squad for next Saturday’s opening Origin clash against England at St Helens’ Langtree Park.
And he is set to come up against Giants teammates Brough, Eorl Crabtree and Leroy Cudjoe, who have been picked in England’s 21-man squad.
The 28-year-old Faiumu admits that’s a mouth-watering prospect, and is particularly keen to compete against Brough for the first time.
“Broughy is one of the best kickers in the world and a great inclusion for the England squad,” said the former Kiwi international.
“Looking ahead to the Rugby League World Cup next year, you need players that can kick Australia and New Zealand into submission.
“He has many great attributes and is skilful in different areas, not just kicking, but passing and speed too.
“He is constantly improving and the England squad inclusion is testament to him as a player.
“It’s going to be fantastic coming up against him, and I just hope Eorl and Leroy will be there too.”
The experienced hooker was part of the inaugural Exiles squad that beat England in the 2011 International Origin Match at Headingley Carnegie and hopes to get the final nod to take to the field for the Exiles this year.
“I love the concept of testing England with an Exiles squad,” said Faiumu. “It is a great event for English fans to witness and can only benefit the sport over here.
“I had the best time in camp with the squad last year and I’m really happy to make the 22-man squad again this year. It would be fantastic to pull on that Exiles shirt again.
“For me, it’s a great chance to get back in the limelight and it would be a proud moment to represent the Exiles.
“I am also representing my family back home and this is a great chance for them to see me playing representative Rugby League again.”
Brough, meanwhile, is one of four uncapped players in the England squad announced by coach Steve McNamara yesterday, with Carl Ablett (Leeds), Josh Charnley and Lee Mossop (both Wigan) the others.
For Brough, selection would mean the end of a long road to England honours for the former plumber, who has captained Scotland but threw his lot in with England a year ago, only to get injured on the eve of the inaugural clash with the Exiles.
As well as naming a squad to face the Exiles, McNamara also oversaw the unveiling of a Knights squad to face Ireland in a curtain-raiser to next Saturday’s Origin clash.
Included in that young side are Huddersfield’s Dale Ferguson, Jermaine McGillvary and Larne Patrick.
Joe Wardle would also have got the nod had he not been ruled out for two months with a major groin problem.
