KR’S Abdull’s sights on World Cup place
JORDAN Abdull hopes to make himself a fixture within the international set-up after making his England bow on Saturday
Hull KR’S Abdull was named alongside Jonny Lomax in the halves at the Stade Gilbert Brutus as Shaun Wane’s side picked up a 30-10 win over France.
The 25-year-old had a huge say in the contest with his creativity and kicking game helping England to build a convincing 20-0 lead in the first-half before France found their feet.
He slotted three goals to cap a promising start to his international career, following up on a remarkable season for the Robins for which he was shortlisted for the Super League Man of Steel award.
“It’s a bit surreal to be honest,” Abdull said. “The full occasion was something I’ve always dreamed of.
“I think we can take a couple of things out of the game that we need to be better on but for my first Test, to win it, I’m over the moon.
“There was a few other boys on their first Test as well, so as much as we’ve got things to work on, I think we can still enjoy the win as well.
“The way we train and the facilities we go to, the supplements that you get, everything is just top notch.
“I really enjoyed being in camp this week, the training sessions I did prior and the game to top it all off, it’s a really good system and it’s one I want to be in for years to come now.”
The game was designed to challenge England as they continue their preparations for next year’s Rugby League World Cup and Abdull knows what he has to do in order to have a shot at being involved in that tournament.
“I think it’s just building on the performances I’ve had at Rovers this year and keep doing everything I can next season so Waney doesn’t have a choice but to put me in the squad, at the very minimum the training squad,” he added.
“Whether I get a dig at the World Cup, that’s up to him but I’d like to say I’ve given myself every opportunity to finish this year as a potential World Cup player. It just depends on how I can start next season and my form.”