Castleford Tigers centre Sam Wood has spoken on his ‘complete shock’ at receiving the call from Shaun Wane that he had been selected in the England squad to take on France this Saturday.
Wood joined Castleford Tigers from Hull KR ahead of the season and has made quite the impression at The Jungle, making 15 appearances and not missing a single game yet for his new club.
He’s only registered three tries but he has consistently put up over 100 metres per game and averages over one offload on a whopping 16 carries per game as well.
His industrious playstyle has been rewarded and he’s one of six possible debutants selected to the England squad by Shaun Wane, alongside a possible debutant from his former club in Elliot Minchella.
The only other natural centre named in the squad is Leeds Rhinos’ Harry Newman which would signify that Wood is likely to get the start on Saturday as well, a huge achievement for the 26-year-old and for Castleford Tigers in how they have brought him on.
Castleford Tigers have since released a video in which Wood describes his ‘complete shock’ at the call-up and his pride.
Wood said: “I’m overwhelmed, I’m a bit shocked to be honest and lost for words. I’ve not really known what to do with myself for the last 24 hours. I’m just over the moon to get the call-up.”
Explaining how he found out, Sam Wood revealed that head coach Shaun Wane rang him yesterday to confirm the surprise and welcome news.
“Shaun rang me yesterday. I was just sat in the garden with my Dad and my family, it was completely out of the blue. He just rang around 2 o’clock yesterday and said ‘Congratulations on getting the call-up’.
“I’ve just been told to go and enjoy the experience for what it is. Go with an open mind and take it all in.”
“Nervous and anxious but trying to enjoy it” – Sam Wood reacts to England call-up
Wood had scored against his former club Hull KR on Thursday night in his side’s narrow defeat but he’s looking forward to seeing and reuniting with his former teammates when he goes into camp.
“There’s some great players in there. I’m a bit nervous and a bit anxious but I’m just going to try and enjoy it for what it is and soak it all up.
“It’s probably a testament to how hard I’ve worked in my career so far and a testament to my family and the people who have sacrificed a lot for me to get to this position, family and teammates.
“It’s all a product of where I’ve come from and what I’m doing now and luckily I’ve got recognition for them performances and it’s a bit of a reward for that.”
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