Chris McQueen: I came over with a point to prove

Huddersfield’s Chris McQueen says he made the move to Super League with a point to prove – and has done just that as the back-rower earned a place in this year’s Dream Team.  

McQueen, 35, made the switch midway through the 2020 season only initially on a deal for the remainder of that campaign.

The former NRL man instantly made his mark in eight appearances and earned an extension with the Giants.

The England World Cup hopeful won this year’s Lance Todd Trophy in the Challenge Cup defeat to Wigan. The six-time Queensland star also finished the regular season as the top try scorer for a forward with 15 – which saw him earn a place in this year’s Dream Team.

Speaking with Love Rugby League, McQueen admitted he came over to England with a point to prove and is delighted with his personal current form.

Chris McQueen: ‘I’ve tried really hard to play my best footy’

“It’s good, it’s a surprise,” McQueen said on his Dream Team selection.

“It wasn’t something I was really thinking about. I was just focused on my footy but then I showed up for the game on Monday and they let me know that I’d been selected, so it was very pleasing.

“It feels good. I came over here with a point to prove and I still felt like I had some good footy in me.

“I know some of the players that come over from Australia are probably on their last legs and probably cop a bit of stick for coming over here and under performing.

“Personally, I wanted to make sure that wasn’t me. I’ve trained hard and I’ve tried really hard to play my best footy. I guess this is a reward and reflection of the fact that I am still playing good footy.”

Contracts: Ashton Golding and Chris McQueen sign new deals with Huddersfield Giants

Eliminators

Huddersfield will host Salford this Saturday in the televised play-off eliminators at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Live on both Sky Sports and Channel 4, both are fighting for a place in the semi-finals with a trip to either St Helens or Wigan on the cards.

“We are having some on-field success and that’s certainly makes it easier for me to show up day in, day out,” McQueen added.

“It makes it easy to do my job when all the other boys are doing theirs, so it’s been a good season for me personally and the club.

“Ian Watson has brought in a good group of players. We’ve got a good culture at the club now and we are getting that belief that we can actually be competitive with the top sides.

“I certainly think in years to come, as long as he stays here, there is going to be success at the club.”

PODCAST: Super League Dream Team special including Field, Welsby, Oledzki & more

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast