DELIGHTED Eorl Crabtree believes his Great Britain call could help him become a far better player for Huddersfield Giants.
Crabtree and teammate Chris Thorman were this week named in an initial 40-man Lions squad for this autumn's Gillette Tri-Nations tournament against Australia and New Zealand.
That figure will be cut to 32 later in the year.
And the 22-year-old has pledged to increase his work rate between now and the end of the Super League season to make sure he doesn't miss the cut.
"When I found out I'd been picked I was absolutely delighted," said the big prop.
"To play for your country is a dream come true, and now I'm a step nearer making it become a reality.
"But I also know that this is where the hard work really begins.
"Now I'm this close, I'm desperate to take the next step, which is to be included in the final squad.
"That will only be achieved if I can continue to improve and show everyone that I have what it takes to play for Great Britain.
"It's going to be tough, because we've got some fantastic front-rowers in this country. But my destiny is in my own hands, and if I can carry on playing well for the Giants, who knows?
"Because Huddersfield is my hometown, I'm always desperate to do my best for the club, but now I've got an extra incentive for giving it my very best shot."
Crabtree admits that there are areas of his game that still need improving.
And he believes that training alongside the country's top players is bound to have a positive effect.
"I learned a great deal from being involved with England in last year's European National Cup," he added.
"So I already know I'll learn a lot more through being involved with the Great Britain set-up.
"This will be the chance to train and work with some of the best players in the world. It's a fantastic opportunity.
"It's hard to believe that just a couple of years ago I was struggling to get a place in the side.
"But Jon Sharp has given me my chance and it has been tremendous in building my confidence.
"So far, this season has been incredible for me."
