It's been ten years between drinks but Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella is going to make the most of his England shot.
The uncapped loose forward is one of six potential debutants in Shaun Wane’s squad for Saturday’s Test against France in Toulouse. Now aged 28, his chance of international acclaim could easily have passed him by.
But Minchella, who has matured into one of Super League’s top forwards since joining KR from hometown Bradford in 2020, has certainly earned his chance.
He was made captain of the Robins this term and has seen his game get even better. Minchella said: “I played England Under 16s and England Under 18s - so it’s taken me ten years to get back! Shaun rang to tell me and I was shocked.
“I had to double-check it was definitely him. I was a bit speechless. Before that phone call, I’d not heard anything so as far as I was concerned I didn’t have a clue on how close or far away I was from being in these conversations. I’m confident in my own ability but at the same time I really didn’t have a clue. So I am very grateful. I’m just excited as well and looking forward to it.”
With England’s NRL contingent not considered for the Toulouse clash, it means Wane’s main No 13 pick - Sydney Roosters’ Victor Radley - is out of the mix. With St Helens’ Morgan Knowles also injured, there is an opportunity for Minchella to showcase his talent ahead of the main business of a two-Test series against World Cup finalists Samoa this autumn. He said: “There is a lot of competition but, if given the chance, I’ll try and take it with both hands.
“I just want to earn Shaun’s respect, the coaching staff and team-mates' as well. I just want to enjoy it for what it is because these things don’t come around too often. But I’ll try to express myself as well. I’m not going to get caught up in emotions.”
Minchella helped KR reach Wembley last year and they are just two points off Super League’s top spot. His ball-handling link-play in the middle has been a big part of their success and he believes he’s in career-best form. But Minchella added: “The best players do it every single week and that’s what I’m striving for.
"I do think I’m in a good spot but I don’t want to stand still. I want to keep improving and keep going. It’s no coincidence that we’re having a good year at Hull KR and these sorts of things [England] follow. It’s a lot about the people around me: they deserve a lot of credit. I’d probably not ruled it [call-up] out fully but as time goes on the chance does obviously get smaller and smaller so I am delighted."
France look set to be without Catalans centre Arthur Romano after he was hit with a one-game ban.
England Men Squad
Currie (Warrington), Delaney (St Helens), Dupree (Wigan), Handley (Leeds), Harrison (Warrington), Johnstone (Catalans), Lees (St Helens), Lewis, Litten (both Hull KR), McDonnell (Leeds), Minchella (Hull KR), Newman (Leeds), Nicholson (Warrington), O’Neill, Smith, Thompson (all Wigan), Welsby (St Helens), Williams (Warrington), Wilson (Huddersfield), Wood (Castleford)