OWEN Trout has already made one good decision this week – not writing off his England phone call as someone chasing money.
Now to prove it was the right move by shining in the heat of Battle as he knows he will be a target.
The Leigh star was one of six uncapped players selected for Tuesday’s get together as preparations for the Ashes series stepped up.
And putting on a starring show as Wigan arrive for the Battle of the Borough tonight will be the perfect way of showing national boss Shaun Wane he can do it.
But there were doubts when his phone rang as the news of his elevation was delivered.
“Honestly, England was the last thing in my head, really,” said Trout about the moment Wane called. “I thought, ‘Oh, it’s probably another Bill or something like that.’
“I was just at home, just chilling out, then I noticed I had a WhatsApp call and obviously I didn’t have Shaun’s number saved.
“I was wondering, ‘Who’s this?’ but as soon as I heard his voice, he’s really distinctive, I knew it was good.
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“And I never thought it was one of the other lads winding me up. If it was, it was a really good impression.
“I was a bit shell-shocked when Shaun rang me. I felt like I couldn’t really get my words out and I probably enjoyed telling my mum and dad more than I did receiving the news!
“Now people are going to be coming after me more but I’ll just raise my game. I enjoy that, playing against the best brings out the best in me.”
Trout’s England call is recognition for fine performances as Leigh once again compete at the top end of the Super League table.
That started from day one of the season as the Leopards triumphed in a now famous opening game at Wigan, which finished 1-0 after golden point extra time!
A repeat of that defensive effort, with more points in attack, would go down just fine – as the same will be needed if he faces the Aussies.
The 25-year-old added: “One thing that Leigh prides itself on is that we’ve always got each other’s backs.
“That’ll be the same when it comes to the end of the year with England. Everyone’s going to have each other’s backs. And they’re going to do everything they can to get the win.
“That’s what it was like on that night. Everyone was doing everything and we just couldn’t break each other.”
Now trout is in the England reckoning, he will not have ti look far for someone who can give him tips on Australia, Leopards coach Adrian Lam is a former Kangaroos assistant.
But it may take some persuading as he conceded: “It depends how loyal his blood is, doesn’t it? I might have to ask him for a few.
“I’ll have to keep telling him he’s from Papua New Guinea. Make sure he knows his PNG blood!”
