Guest Column - Jermaine McGillvary: I wouldn't be ready for the top flight without my spells on loan

SCORING twice against Bradford Bulls last week, playing on the wing outside my cousin Leroy (Cudjoe) in the centre, was a dream debut.

I've been full-time for three-and-a-half years at Huddersfield so I've had to wait a long time for my first Super League game. Fortunately, I did well and hopefully I'll get another crack against St Helens tonight.

It is true I nearly did not end up playing rugby league at all and have Leroy to thank that I did.

I used to play with him a bit when I was young for Huddersfield Under-10s. He'd be at full-back and I'd be on the wing but I packed in when I was around 12 or 13. I didn't get in anywhere at scholarship level, my club – Deighton – folded, and I lost interest.

I started football at school and later played semi-pro for Emley.

I was a centre half or striker, we played in the FA Youth Cup – I think we got knocked out by Morecambe – and I ended up being captain of Emley Under-19s.

I was never going to make it to the top level but I played for fun and had a couple of first-team games when I was 18.

It wasn't until around about that time – six years after finishing rugby – that Leroy persuaded me to give it another go and I went down to the Giants.

I really never thought I would play the sport again after turning to football but I'm glad he spoke to me.

I feel there are plenty of talented people who could also switch over and play rugby.

I know other footballers who have done it like Greg Johnston at the Giants now.

He's two years younger than me but he swapped football for league and it's all about looking for athletes.

Sunday was certainly a proud moment playing for Giants, my hometown club, with all my family and friends watching at the Galpharm.

I've been on loan at Barrow and Batley in the Championship and, physically, there's not too much difference between that and Super League but in terms of speed and fitness there certainly is.

I was blowing at times but it proved a great experience.

Now I'll have to see if I get to play at Saints this evening. There's plenty of outside backs who can fill in at centre, wing and full-back, like Jamma (Lolesi), Leroy and Fatz (Whaturia) so there's lots of competition but hopefully I can and now it's up to the coach.

I actually played against Saints in the Challenge Cup with Barrow a few weeks ago.

I did quite well and hopefully I'll get an opportunity against them with a better team around me and a better result.

We picked up a big win at Bradford and now we have to try to back that up at Knowsley Road.

The fans really took to me up in Cumbria. I enjoyed going up there and Barrow are a really good club who are well supported.

They create a brilliant atmosphere and took 2,000 supporters to Saints which is great for a Championship club.

After my loan spells at Barrow this year and Batley last season, I know such moves definitely work.

I don't think I'd have been up to playing Super League if I hadn't had those experiences at both clubs but Huddersfield is where I'm from and I want to stay here as long as I can.

I've got another year after this season but I want to extend that as soon as possible. I've got to keep playing and training well and that's my intention now.

Interview by Dave Craven