McGillvary is keeping it real, but on mission

JERMAINE McGillvary is a rugby league realist.

Just past his 30th birthday, he’s setting only short-term goals for himself and the Huddersfield Giants.

The first of those is to help his team target two Super League points against Wakefield Trinity at Magic Weekend in Newcastle.

The second is to prove he is nearing full fitness again and produce some consistent form in the Claret and Gold - an influence which may still take them towards the top eight.

Nothing else matters right now, even though the Huddersfield-born England ace wingman admits he has a plan for how long he will continue to play (don’t worry, there are a good few years left yet!).

“I feel old,” he smiled. “I’m 30, got three kids and I’m now just waiting for my first grey hair!

“I’ve been thinking about what happens after rugby since I was young, because I started work before I started playing rugby, so it’s always been at the back of my mind what I’m going to do. I’ve always had a plan about how long I’m going to play for and I will probably stick to that plan – but it’s not any time soon, there are still a few more years left yet.

“I’m just working at the moment to get back fit and start playing some consistent games.”

McGillvary starred at the 2017 World Cup in Australia, but injuries since have thwarted a proper Super League comeback and definitely dulled his impact for the Giants. As a realist, you don’t need to tell him.

“I wouldn’t say I’m fully 100%, but I am back playing and just need a consistent run,” he explained.

“I want to get some form. When I’ve played this season I’ve not done too well, because I’m off the back of two serious injuries.

“Hopefully, now that I’m playing again, things will get better week by week. I think if you ask any player in Super League they will tell you no-one ever plays 100% right fitness wise. So it’s no excuse.

“Most of the team have been out of form since the start of the season – the league table doesn’t lie – but hopefully, now we are getting people back to fitness, we can start to get some results and start climbing.”

So does he target a return to the form which made him the star of England’s tournament run to within touching distance of the World Cup?

“It would be nice to replicate that form but I am a realist, and I know it would be pretty tough to do,” he smiled. Playing with England there are world-class players throughout the team who are helping you – it’s not just off my back it’s all the players around you in the team.

“I’m not stupid, I don’t expect to kill it like I did in the World Cup, but there is no reason why I can’t play well.

“I’ve not played too well as yet – injuries have been a big part of that – but I’m back now and hopefully I can get some consistent form going.”