Tommy Makinson may have been nominated for the RLIF’s Golden Boot but he knows there is a lot more work to do.
The winger played in his second England test at the weekend, performing well and setting up the side’s opening try.
“The nomination is a real privilege and I have only played in a few tests,” he said. “It is something I am proud of but something I won’t look at too much at the moment. I have played in two tests but it is how you play in the rest of them.
“I’m looking forward to that and playing even better in the next couple of games.
“I know that anyone can jump into your spot with one bad performance so for me it is about performing well in matches and in training.
“I need to perform for Wayne and the other selectors and coaches to prove how good I am and what I can do.”
England take on New Zealand on Sunday at Anfield knowing a win would hand them the series.
“It’s another big best coming up and hopefully I will be involved like the last one,” Tommy added. “The first was pretty eventful and one I really enjoyed.
“Hopefully, everyone can turn up in numbers, not just from St Helens, but also from the Liverpool area too. If people want to see a good test of rugby league they can come out and support us.
“It will be an unbelievable stadium and place to play in; something that would rank quite high in my sporting hierarchy.”
He continued: “You’re playing against top players every single test and we know they will have a lot to improve on. We managed to snatch the last one but these next two will be tougher and we know what to expect.
“We know we can win the series on Sunday but we want to build on our performance and get better. Every time we pull that shirt on there is a lot of pride and we want to go well for a good group of lads and the coaching staff.”
England face New Zealand in the remaining two tests at Anfield in Liverpool (November 4, 2.30pm) and Elland Road in Leeds (November 11).
Tickets start from just £20 and are available from rugby-league.com/tickets