Crabtree enjoys sub role

Crabtree: Best off the bench

I have the quality to start a game as well but I don't have the same impact. If you want the best out of me, it is probably off the bench.

Eorl Crabtree
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England forward Eorl Crabtree is relishing the prospect of taking up his role as a "super-sub" in Saturday's Four Nations clash with New Zealand.

The Huddersfield star is likely to be named on the bench when coach Tony Smith announces his line-up for the Kiwi tie on Thursday, after he helped inspire a second-half fightback against Australia last weekend.

Crabtree has also had a devastating impact as a substitute for the Giants this year, coming on after the early exchanges have died down and providing a much-needed boost for his side.

"It's something I kind of specialise in," said Crabtree, who started just five of his 27 appearances for Huddersfield this year.

"It's something I've done for the Giants for years.

"I have the quality to start a game as well but I don't have the same impact. If you want the best out of me, it is probably off the bench."

Marked man

Crabtree missed out on England's opening win over France with a knee injury but, after helping restore some pride in the defeat against France, the pony-tailed prop is looking forward to impressing again in his home town.

"I'm massively excited," he said. "It's in front of my home crowd and I have a chance to prove that I'm worth my place in the England side."

The 6ft 6in Yorkshireman is unlikely to receive a warm welcome from the New Zealand forwards following his explosive performance against Australia, but that isn't something that is worrying the 27-year-old.

"I think I'm a marked man anyway," he said. "It's always been like that. Adrian Morley is always trying to shoot out of the line and put a shot on me when we play Warrington.

"So there is nothing new there. It comes with the territory. It's what I do and what I'm about and I wouldn't expect anything less from them. It's part of the game."

The critical game at the Galpharm Stadium is likely to decide which team will face Australia in the Elland Road decider on November 14, with the Kangaroos expected to beat France at the weekend for the other spot.