McGillvary delighted at England call-up

Giants and England winger talks his call-up to the England training squad and his form since the restart and his hopes for 2021.

Jermaine McGillvary is pleased at being called up to the England training squad, describing it as an 'honour' to be in Shaun Wane's plans for England's 2021 World Cup campaign. 

"It's really good to be in the squad. It's always an honour to be called up to your country at any level" said McGillvary, who has made 17 appearances for England, including the 2017 World Cup final. 

"I spoke to Shaun Wane a bit before so I already knew I would be called up. He talks to all the players, so we had a general catch up really."

While McGillvary has scored eight tries since the August resumption of the Betfred Super League, he admits the restart has been tough but he knows what he needs to work on in the off-season to get back to top form. 

"There's a few things fitness wise I need to work on this off season which can help me get back into form again. The lockdown has been tough for us all really."

While he admits room for improvement, McGillvary has been pleased at the return of fellow home-town boy Leroy Cudjoe, insisting that the presence of a 'familiar face' helps him reach his best.

"It's been awesome. It helps me having stability too, as there's been a lot of chopping and changing on our edge so good to have a familiar face who helps my game."

With the Giants facing their final regular season game on Friday, McGillvary has looked forward to 2021 and while understanding the need to improve individually and as a group going into next season, he'll be glad of a few weeks of mental rest after a stressful season. 

"I think as a group we have top players but there's a lot of things we need to get right as individuals and a collective going into 2021 if we are going to compete. 

"I do think once the season is done though the main thing we needs is a good few weeks mental rest as for me the stress this season has been like no other so I think a rested mind will help regain that focus for the game."