Luke Thompson insists he is not in the England squad just to get autographs
St Helens prop admits James Graham was one of his idols but he is not in the national squad just to stare in awe
LUKE THOMPSON insists he is not in the England squad just to collect autographs as he lines up alongside hero James Graham – he has already done that.
The St Helens prop is in contention to face New Zealand after scoring a try on his England debut against France on Wednesday.
That moment saw him playing alongside Graham, who was skipper for the night and came through the same club system before heading to Australia’s NRL.
And Thompson could not hide his delight in being a team-mate after once cheering him on from the terraces.
He also admitted he has already got Graham’s autograph, along with the likes of Sam Burgess’, after missing out on selection despite being named in the squad for the mid-season Test against the Kiwis in Denver.
Thompson, 23, said: “I was a big fan of St Helens growing up and James was my idol.
“I was a bit tempted to ask him for an autograph when I first met up with him in Denver but I got all the players to sign a shirt after the game.
“I’ve already got his autograph but I gave the shirt away to a charity.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to play with James. He’s someone I looked up to as a kid, so getting out there and playing alongside him was brilliant. Hopefully I’ve done enough to get a shot at the Kiwis.
“It’s not daunting joining up with players like that and a coach like Wayne Bennett. I’m confident in my own ability and after what I’ve done with St Helens this season.
“It’s more the fact I’m around some of my idols. When I went out to Denver, James and Sam were there so I just enjoyed being around the players I looked up to as a kid.”
Thompson suffered semi-final heartbreak both in Super League and the Challenge Cup this year but was universally regarded as one of St Helens’ best players.
But now he has made it into an England shirt, do not expect him to ease off the gas.
He added: “Missing out in Denver really made me kick on for the last part of the season. Just coming short there gave me the drive to keep my form going.
“It’s great to be rewarded but it makes you want to keep pushing. When you start reaping the rewards, it makes the hard work worth it.
“But it makes you want to keep stepping up. I’d love a shot at the Kiwis, they’re big set of lads and it would be a good test for me.”
