PROUD Eorl Crabtree admits playing for England against Australia in a Four Nations final could be the highlight of his career.
The 27-year-old Giants prop once again produced an immense performance for his country to help beat world champions New Zealand 20-12 at the Galpharm on Saturday and set up a final showdown with the Kangaroos at Leeds United’s Elland Road on Saturday (7.30).
Next weekend’s clash will bring the curtain down on Crabtree’s season which has seen him play in a Challenge Cup final at Wembley and help the Giants to a club best third-place Super League finish.
But – if selected – Crabtree feels a Four Nations final against the mighty Australians would be the pinnacle.
“This has been an incredible season for me, and it just keeps getting better and better!” he said.
“This year I’ve played at Wembley with the Giants and helped us to third in Super League and, on top of that, I’ve made my full Test debut (against France in Paris in June), played against Australia for the first time and been in an England team that’s just beaten New Zealand.
“And now I’ll hopefully be playing against Australia in a Four Nations final, which is something I would never have thought possible just a few years ago. I think that’s probably going to be the biggest game of my life, because sides don’t come any better in world rugby league than Australia.
“Obviously, I can’t take my selection for granted. I know there were some very disappointed people not to have played against New Zealand the other night.
“But I again thought I did enough with the way I played to keep my place for the final. I believe I’m an asset to this team and I showed that on Saturday.”
