McGillvary back down to earth after England debut
Jermaine McGillvary is elated with his international debut against New Zealand but knows he will have to work hard to keep his England spot in the future.
The Huddersfield flyer replaced Joe Burgess in England’s 17-man squad for the Third and final Test.
McGillvary had an outstanding introduction to international footy with several strong runs and defensive interventions.
The 27-year old was tested out by the Kiwis throughout the match but kept his composure.
McGillvary knows he will need another impressive season for the Giants to remain in the frame for Four Nations selection next year.
“It’s not guaranteed I’ll be in that next England squad so the focus for me now is to have a break from rugby,” he said.
“Don’t think about rugby, spend some time with my family for the next four weeks and then back into pre-season with the Huddersfield Giants.
“That’s my main concern.
“If I don’t play well for Huddersfield, I won’t be in the England squad next time.”
McGillvary was selected in the 2015 Dream Team on the back of an outstanding campaign with Huddersfield.
He scored 27 tries in 30 appearances this year for the Yorkshire club and was second in Super League for metres made.
The winger swapped his shirt with New Zealand’s Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at the end of the game and praised the skills of the Kiwi fullback.
“I told him he’s my favourite player to watch in the NRL,” McGillvary said.
“He’s going to be the next big thing, for me. He’s 22 years old and he’s achieved what he’s achieved now.
“He’s just a great player to watch and I said to him he’s my favourite player and can I please have your shirt, and he said yeah.
“I’d just be afraid to be one-on-one with him [with his step].
“He’d send me back to Huddersfield. He’s got the best feet I’ve ever seen, so he’s a quite outstanding player.”
McGillvary revealed he had to beat Zak Hardaker for Tuivasa-Sheck’s shirt, and that he’ll frame the jersey and hang it in his house.
“Zak said don’t be getting Roger’s shirt,” he joked.
“I said mate, he’s my favourite player so you’ll have to fight me for it.
“When I said that I think he left it alone.”