Eorl Crabtree Testimonial: Eorl's Blog #3

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Blog Issue #3: Special Interview

Crabtree satisfied with Four Nations efforts...
By Shamoon Hafez

Eorl v Australia in the Four Nations (C) Varley

After his exploits with England in the Four Nations earlier this month, Eorl Crabtree is back at the Galpharm Stadium for the start of pre-season training.

And he has admitted that it is something he is not looking forward to.

“I don’t think any player enjoys pre-season training. It is absolutely disgusting. It’s horrible,” he said glumly.

The Giants Number 8 went on to say:

“I think it’s the worst part of the season but also the best at the same time because you get the most out of it.

“Everyone finds it really tough and it physically makes you sick at times but that is what makes you tougher as a player and as a person and this helps you to be prepared for the season ahead.”

After making his breakthrough into the England set-up, Crabtree expressed his delight at representing his country on the international stage.

Even though the result in the final was not what the team was hoping for, the prop feels happy with his performances.

“I was able to play at the highest level knowing I can compete against the best players in the world and I felt very comfortable in that environment.

“I enjoyed playing alongside the England players and it has been a really good time for me, as well as, a great learning curve.

“Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be for us because we weren’t on the top of our game. We tried our best but if you give the Aussies a break then they will capitalise on it,” he remarked.

Crabtree reserved special praise for Tony Smith, who resigned from his position as England manager after the defeat to Australia.

Smith coached the Giants from 2001 to 2003 and is held in high regard by ‘Big Eorl’ and was surprised at the decision made by the Warrington Wolves boss.

“He told us straight after the game that he would be leaving and it came as a shock to us all that he quit, especially with the fact that the team was doing well and had a good tournament,” stated Crabtree.

He continued by saying:
“Tony Smith has been a big influence on my career from the beginning. He was at the club when I first joined and I am glad he gave me a chance at international level to get my foot in the door. I have come on a long way since he first coached me.”

With the upcoming season a testimonial year for the Giants’ longest serving player, Crabtree is hoping for “massive” season for the club.

“We are hoping for a similar season to the last one, just to pick up a few more victories and not let games slip away. We need to continue to work hard and focus on what we did well last season and to improve on the negatives,” he said assertively.

After defeats in two finals for club and country in 2009, the Huddersfield star will be optimistic about his chances of lifting a trophy in 2010.

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