Wednesday 22 October 2014 12:05, UK
Liam Farrell spared a thought for his room-mate Elliott Whitehead after getting the nod ahead of him for England's opening Four Nations match against Samoa.
The 24-year-old will form an all-Wigan second row pairing with Joel Tomkins after coach Steve McNamara opted to leave out former Bradford forward Whitehead, whose outstanding form for Catalans Dragons this year earned him a place in the Super League Dream Team.
"I thought he'd have been one of the first choices," said Farrell in a conference call from England's training camp on Queensland's Gold Coast. "He's done really well this season.
"I think he's been unfortunate. Steve has picked team, but I'm sure, if he keeps training well, he will get a start before long."
I think he's been unfortunate. Steve has picked team, but I'm sure, if he keeps training well, he will get a start before long.
Farrell was dropped for England's last match, their agonising last-minute defeat by New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final at Wembley last November, and was thrilled to win back his place for Saturday's opening match of a double-header at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.
"I'm over the moon," he said. "I didn't expect to get into the squad. There's a lot of quality back rowers and any one of us could have been picked. I'm chuffed to be starting."
Farrell, who has been rooming with Elliott since arriving at the luxurious Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club a week ago, says the Super League-based players in the England squad are now fully acclimatised as they prepare to shift base to Brisbane.
"The heat is not a problem but jet lag has been," he said. "People were waking up a five o'clock and feeling tired in the afternoon.
"It took us probably three or four days before the body clock was right but the physios and conditioners looked after us."
