Myler is out to prove a point

RICHIE MYLER says he’s got a point to prove after ending six years in the England wilderness.

The scrum-half made his international debut as an 18-year-old and thought he had the world at his feet.

But just five more caps followed, with Myler, 28, admitting his England career faltered because he was “young and dumb”.

The Leeds star, who will make his return against France tonight, said: “Maybe I took it for granted a little bit. I was amongst this lot very young and you’re young and dumb.

“I’ve done a lot of growing up and maturing as a player since then.” Myler was a late call-up after Luke Gale pulled out injured and is determined to grab his chance tonight in Leigh and stake his claim for the three Tests that follow against New Zealand.

Asked if he had a point to prove, he said: “Yeah, there’s no point hiding away from it. I’m humbled and honoured to be back involved.”

Myler’s only problem was telling TV star wife Helen Skelton and their two kids that their family holiday would have to be postponed. He said: “You’ll have to speak to the wife about that one! But we can go to Dubai for the next 30 years.” Coach Wayne Bennett will hand eight players their debuts tonight, after deciding to rest the 10 players involved in Saturday’s Grand Final.

Newcomer Tom Johnstone admits he was freaked out by Bennett the first time they met in camp at the weekend.

The Wakefield winger said: “He spooked me and said ‘who are you?’ He kept a solid face so I thought ‘oh my god he doesn’t know me’.” Team-mates later assured him it was a wind-up.