Brough finally ready to make his England debut

There are few in the game who will begrudge the vastly-talented Huddersfield Giants scrum-half his moment as he lines up against the Exiles.

Tonight he will link now with fellow new cap Matty Smith, from Salford City Reds, as McNamara rests Leeds Rhinos’ captain Kevin Sinfield and Castleford’s Rangi Chase who is overlooked due to his on-going disciplinary problems at Wheldon Road.

“It’s good to get the nod,” admitted Brough, who debuted for Scotland in 2004 through his Scottish granddad, captaining them at the 2008 World Cup before pledging allegiance to England.

“It was disappointing last time but I didn’t let it get to me.

“I actually thought he (McNamara) would stick with the old guard and I’d also played with Huddersfield on the Monday night so didn’t really get a chance to train with the England lads.

“Steve told me to keep my head up, be professional and I did that.

“I’ve been rewarded with the game this week and I’m glad I’ve got the chance.”

Born in Dewsbury, Brough came through the Wakefield Academy but did not feature for the first team and, instead, went on to a career at York City Knights, Hull FC, Castleford Tigers and back to the Wildcats before Huddersfield paid a hefty fee for his services in 2010.

Last June, a cruel injury the weekend before the game denied him the opportunity to face the Exiles.

Asked whether he thought his England chances were jinxed he replied: “I did and I didn’t. I thought it would come one time and it has now.

“I’m knocking on towards the back end of my career – it’s taken 10 years – and I’ve had a few knockbacks but I’m actually looking forward to the challenge.

“When I left Scotland I set my sights on trying to play against the best, improve myself, and hopefully get this England chance. On Wednesday, I can go out there and show people that I deserve to be where I now am.”

St Helens have followed up the capture of Willie Manu by signing his Hull team-mate Jordan Turner for next season.

Hull have released half-back Jamie Ellis – who last month signed a two-year deal with Castleford from 2013 – with immediate effect.