McGillvary excited by England challenge

Huddersfield Giants winger Jermaine McGillvary is looking forward to being part of the England squad which is hoping to beat New Zealand in a three-match Test series next month.

McGillvary has enjoyed a fine season in Giants colours, scoring 27 tries and earning a call-up to Steve McNamara’s England squad.

The 27-year-old threequarter puts his improvement this season down to a better psychological approach, which helped him believe in himself and his own abilitities.

“This season I seem to have come to life,” he said.

“In previous seasons I’ve probably done similar to what I’ve done this year, but not on a consistent basis.

“I reckon this year I’ve played consistently well week-in and week-out, which has got me the opportunity to be in an England squad.

“About three or four weeks ago, Steve McNamara gave me a ring out of the blue after training.

“He said that the England squad were having a meeting in Bury, and that he wanted me to come along.

“He said there were no guarantees I’d be in the squad, but because I’d been doing so well I’d given him a headache.

“Which was nice to hear! I went down there and there was a room full of English players, about 30 odd of us, so I thought it would be hard to get in.

“I can’t wait to get started. It’s a great feeling.

“I always dreamed of playing for England, but I didn’t think I ever would. I didn’t have the self-belief, or think I was good enough in the past.

“But a lot of people have spoken to me within the club and given me that boost, and given me the self-confidence to believe in myself and back myself.”