Aussie-born Chris Heighington looks forward to England debut

[Montague_Street]

The eligibility rules are a joke.
\
\
\
Posted using RoarFEED

 

[Guest]

CHRIS HEIGHINGTON TO MAKE TEST DEBUT FOR ENGLAND
By Wayne Cousins
20/10/2011 11:29:13 AM

Wests Tigers enforcer Gareth Ellis says England has welcomed Chris Heighington with open arms ahead of his Test debut against France.

Heighington pledged his loyalty to his father’s native country after constantly being overlooked by NSW and Australian selectors. He will represent England for the first time against France in Avignon on Friday night (UK time).

Ellis, rated the world’s best second-rower, said Heighington would thrive in the international arena. Heighington has been named at lock with Ellis in the second-row.

England will use the match as a warm up to the Four Nations tournament starting on Friday, October 28.

“Not many people get the chance to play at the highest level so it is a massive honour for Chris,’’ Ellis said.

“There have been some great players who have never played Test football.

“The fact Chris has got English heritage through his father means there is an opportunity here for him now to represent England and the Heighington family. I think it is fantastic for him.

“It wasn’t a knee jerk reaction to pick Chris simply because he has played in the NRL. A lot of thought went into it by England Head Coach Steve McNamara and the fact he was born in Australia and would he fit into the dynamics of the England team.

“Like any other nation, England is a proud nation and Steve had a lot of discussions with the senior players to find out whether it was the right decision for the team because that’s what is important and everyone came out with thumbs up.

“Chris should have represented NSW or Australia by now because he is certainly up to that level. He will be a huge asset for England.”

 

[happy_tiger]

Its going to be interesting how Rhino copes with the step up to Test Football

 

[1_4_chicken_chips]

Rhino was born for rep football.He never walks off the field without giving his all.

 

[cunno]

Has anyone read the result or how Heighhno and ellis went?

 

[cunno]

Just found the result, England defeated France 32-18, crowd 16866, played in Avignon with Matt Cecchin referring. No match report on the England RL site re players.

 

[foreveratiger]

i read they both played well . Rangi Chase got man of the match and Ellis was next in line. Ellis was dynamite apparently.

 

[innsaneink]

Just found the result, England defeated France 32-18, crowd 16866, played in Avignon with Matt Cecchin referring. No match report on the England RL site re players.

Look for the rangi chase thread here somewhere, international I think - theres a bit on the game i posted in that

 

[spearby]

dont like the poms but gee i hope hino has a great game every time he plays a champion and one of our best good luck hino

 

[The_Eclipse]

No one really stood out for England, Roby and Graham were quite impressive but the three mentioned above Ellis Heighnington and Chase were disappointing.

 

[cunno]

Just found the result, England defeated France 32-18, crowd 16866, played in Avignon with Matt Cecchin referring. No match report on the England RL site re players.

Look for the rangi chase thread here somewhere, international I think - theres a bit on the game i posted in that

Thanks for the update.