Warrington forward Ben Westwood announced himself ready for the Four Nations after being given a run-out for England Knights.
Wolves second rower determined to keep his place in England side
Warrington forward Ben Westwood announced himself ready for the Four Nations after being given a run-out in the newly-formed England Knights' inaugural fixture against France.
The 30-year-old second rower was restricted to just one appearance in the last two months of the Super League season due to a knee injury.
But he came up with a series of impressive hits during his 60-minute stint as the Knights gained a convincing 38-18 victory over France at Leigh Sports Village.
"I've blown a few cobwebs off and hopefully I'm ready for the tournament," he said. "With me only playing 40 minutes in nine weeks, it was something I really needed.
"We've got these (the French) again next week and hopefully I'll get a few more minutes in that game and then I'll be match-fit and ready to go.
"My knee has held up pretty good. I haven't felt it since and my body is feeling fine after a good rest."
Honour
England Knights coach Kieron Purtill was delighted with the contribution of the experienced Wolves forward.
"I thought Ben was fantastic," he said. "He's been with the top squad all week but he's been great around the camp.
"It's a great honour for the guys to play with someone like Ben, who showed by his performance that he is a leader. It was good for him to get some game time under his belt."
Westwood has won 16 England caps, but the call-up of Australia-born second-rower Chris Heighington has put pressure on his place in the side.
"There's quite a few back-rowers but, if I'm picked, I'll do my best to keep my spot," he said. "It's a big honour playing for your country, it's something I've always wanted to do as a kid. Now I've got a chance, I'm not going to waste it."
England play a warm-up match against France next Friday night and get their Four Nations campaign underway against Wales at Leigh Sports Village on October 29.
