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HEIGHINGTON HAS EYES FIXED ON BLUES JUMPER
By Wayne Cousins
13/12/2010 2:36:09 PM
Chris Heighington has set the record straight. The only colours he wants to pull on outside of the Wests Tigers jumper in 2011 is that of the NSW Blues jersey.
Fresh from signing a new two year deal that ties him to Wests Tigers until the end of 2013, Heighington’s passion to wear that elusive Blues jersey is burning stronger than ever.
Whenever talk arises over the NSW back-row positions, Heighington’s name is mentioned. Yet, he keeps being overlooked despite playing consistent footy over the past three years.
The non-selection even led to discussion about Heighington representing England in the Four Nations, a decision that weighed heavily on his mind as his father hails from the mother country.
In the end, Heighington remained strong to his roots and is happy within himself, especially after the way England collapsed in the Four Nations.
“ I want to play State of Origin. It is the pinnacle of rugby league and I will do everything in my power next year to do that,’’ Heighington said.
“Playing for England was an opportunity that popped up and the media really enjoyed feeding off that. But I just couldn’t see myself going into camp with England.
"It (playing Origin), would have been in the back of my mind.
“In the end, I never really had to make a decision. England spoke to a couple of people who I am close to but it didn’t eventuate. I want to finish my career representing NSW and possibly Australia.
“There are plenty of good quality back-rowers who can play for NSW so it is going to be hard. As long as I am playing well and the team is going well, it will take care of itself.
“To make these big rep sides, you have to have two good seasons in a row. Hopefully I can start next year where I left off this season. I need to hit the ground running.”
Heighington is proud of the fact that when his new contract expires at the end of 2013, he would have racked up 11 years with the Wests Tigers after making his debut in 2003\. A ‘Tiger for Life’ perhaps?
“I’m very happy at Wests Tigers. I enjoy the club and the camaraderie amongst the players, so it feels like home,’’ he said.
Heighington said loyalty to coach Tim Sheens played a major part in extending his contract after the Australian coach ‘found him’ playing lower grades for North Sydney on the Central Coast in 2002.
“I owe a fair bit to Tim and to the club. Wests Tigers will always have first bite at keeping me,’’ he said, proudly.
“It is pretty crazy to be honest when I think about how long I have been here. It has gone so quick. Every year is clicking past.
“To now be going into my ninth season and to play over 150 games for Wests Tigers, I have to pinch myself at times.
"It’s not bad for a boy from Umina to be able to play more than 150 games for the one club. It is a great honour
By Wayne Cousins
13/12/2010 2:36:09 PM
Chris Heighington has set the record straight. The only colours he wants to pull on outside of the Wests Tigers jumper in 2011 is that of the NSW Blues jersey.
Fresh from signing a new two year deal that ties him to Wests Tigers until the end of 2013, Heighington’s passion to wear that elusive Blues jersey is burning stronger than ever.
Whenever talk arises over the NSW back-row positions, Heighington’s name is mentioned. Yet, he keeps being overlooked despite playing consistent footy over the past three years.
The non-selection even led to discussion about Heighington representing England in the Four Nations, a decision that weighed heavily on his mind as his father hails from the mother country.
In the end, Heighington remained strong to his roots and is happy within himself, especially after the way England collapsed in the Four Nations.
“ I want to play State of Origin. It is the pinnacle of rugby league and I will do everything in my power next year to do that,’’ Heighington said.
“Playing for England was an opportunity that popped up and the media really enjoyed feeding off that. But I just couldn’t see myself going into camp with England.
"It (playing Origin), would have been in the back of my mind.
“In the end, I never really had to make a decision. England spoke to a couple of people who I am close to but it didn’t eventuate. I want to finish my career representing NSW and possibly Australia.
“There are plenty of good quality back-rowers who can play for NSW so it is going to be hard. As long as I am playing well and the team is going well, it will take care of itself.
“To make these big rep sides, you have to have two good seasons in a row. Hopefully I can start next year where I left off this season. I need to hit the ground running.”
Heighington is proud of the fact that when his new contract expires at the end of 2013, he would have racked up 11 years with the Wests Tigers after making his debut in 2003\. A ‘Tiger for Life’ perhaps?
“I’m very happy at Wests Tigers. I enjoy the club and the camaraderie amongst the players, so it feels like home,’’ he said.
Heighington said loyalty to coach Tim Sheens played a major part in extending his contract after the Australian coach ‘found him’ playing lower grades for North Sydney on the Central Coast in 2002.
“I owe a fair bit to Tim and to the club. Wests Tigers will always have first bite at keeping me,’’ he said, proudly.
“It is pretty crazy to be honest when I think about how long I have been here. It has gone so quick. Every year is clicking past.
“To now be going into my ninth season and to play over 150 games for Wests Tigers, I have to pinch myself at times.
"It’s not bad for a boy from Umina to be able to play more than 150 games for the one club. It is a great honour
