Magic is perfect audition for England place, says Crabtree

James Gordon

Huddersfield prop Eorl Crabtree says the Magic Weekend is a chance for all players to impress England coach Steve McNamara ahead of this year’s World Cup.

All seven Super League matches will take place at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester across the Saturday and Sunday, with McNamara sure to be one of thousands of keen spectators.

The Elite Training Squad, including Crabtree, met in Loughborough last weekend for a three-day training camp, and the players know it’s a good chance to cement their claims for selection in the final squad for the tournament.

Crabtree said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to market yourself for a place in the England team.

“Everybody is focused on performing well for their clubs, but with it being World Cup year, the players are also trying to cement their spot.

“Those guys with that focus are the ones who’ll get picked, as even the ones currently in the squad know that they have to remain consistent to keep their place.

“Everybody is vying for selection, and the Magic Weekend is a great window for all of the players to show what they can do.”

Crabtree’s Huddersfield take on Bradford on Sunday, and more than 65,000 tickets have been sold across both days.