ENGLAND hero Leroy Cudjoe is ready to take his game to the next level.
The 25-year-old Huddersfield Giants centre was one of the stars of the show as England warmed up for this autumn’s World Cup with a solid 30-10 Origin triumph over the Exiles at Warrington on Friday night.
The former Newsome Panthers junior scored two tries and produced a bone-crunching tackle on former teammate Brett Hodgson to help create a third.
It was a performance which suggests Cudjoe has come of age on the international stage.
And the in-form Super League three-quarter is now looking to build even more on his latest exploits.
“I was happy with the way I played and it was fantastic to score the tries,” said Cudjoe, who was an ever-present for England in last autumn’s Tri Nations series triumph over Wales and France.
“I went into the game with a mindset to do my job and make sure I did the basics well, and the rest would fall into place. Fortunately, that’s very much what happened.
“With World Cup places up for grabs, I felt nervous as well as excited going into the game, because I knew this was my opportunity to stake a more solid claim for the end of the year.
“But I know I’m still going to need to work really hard between now and then to nail down a spot.
“Even though I’ve given myself a good chance, there were still some world-class players missing because they were either injured or playing in the Australian NRL, so I can’t take anything for granted.
“It felt good to pick up some more silverware with England, but hopefully I’ll be involved when we look to win the big one at the end of the year.
“But if I don’t help Huddersfield continue to make a positive impression for the rest of this season, then I can forget about England.
“I’m desperate to do well and bring success to the Giants, and I’m desperate to play for England in the World Cup. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to make these things happen.”
Next up for Cudjoe is Sunday’s home Super League XVIII clash against champions Leeds Rhinos, with the centre and fellow Giants teammates Eorl Crabtree and Brett Ferres having come through the Exiles experience unscathed.
