EORL CRABTREE has admitted it will be one of the proudest moments of his career when he becomes the first Huddersfield player for 46 years to play in a Test match for England against Australia.

The 27-year-old Giants prop, pictured, has been named on the bench for tomorrow’s Gillette Four Nations clash against the mighty Kangaroos at Wigan’s DW Stadium (2.30).

Crabtree made his full Test debut against France in Paris in June to become the first Huddersfield-produced player to compete at this level while on the books of his hometown club since Ken Senior in 1967.

And this weekend he will be the first Huddersfield player since Tommy Smales in 1963 to play Australia in a full Test when England competed under the Great Britain banner.

Crabtree gets the nod after proving his fitness following minor knee surgery three weeks ago, and he admits the news is a dream come true.

“Playing against Australia in a Test match is something I’ve dreamed about from the moment I started playing the game as a young kid,” said Crabtree from England’s training base in Manchester.

“And the fact it’s about to become a reality is an amazing thought. I know it’s going to be one of the proudest moments of my career.

“It wasn’t until yesterday morning Tony (Smith) told me I would be playing, and I’d certainly not been given any sort of hint earlier in the week that he was going to include me.

“I just kept my head down and trained as hard as possible, hoping for the best.

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget how fantastic it felt when Tony gave me the news.”