Guest Column - Jordan Tansey: I'd like to play well to have a shot at full-back spot for England

IT'S GOOD to finally be getting rid of that utility tag I've had all my career. I'm playing full-back for Hull FC now and am really enjoying it. Now I've got the position I'm focusing on playing there regularly and am looking forward to the prospect

That's where I wanted to focus my attentions instead of being a utility. One of the main reasons I came here was because Rich (Agar) said he wanted me to play as a No 1.

When I first started at Leeds I played everywhere and the utility tag probably helped me get a lot of games. They knew they could put me on the bench and I could fill in anywhere.

I still could do that now at Hull and I'd be happy to do that but I want to try to concentrate on the one position and establish myself.

I'd definitely like having a shot at that full-back slot for England. I've got to try to make sure I'm playing well for Hull but hopefully I'll perform well and might get a chance in the mid-season friendly and then hopefully could go back to Australia with England.

I really enjoyed it down there with Sydney Roosters. I had nine or 10 months in Oz and got a lot out of it. It helped me as a player and as a person and proved a great experience.

I wasn't expecting to play out there too much but I ended up getting quite a few NRL games with and against some world class players. I don't think anyone really saw me as the sort of player who would get a chance in Australia especially being such a young age. I wouldn't have thought it either but that's why I took it when the opportunity came up and I'm glad I did.

I was meant to be there for two years but I was prepared to come back when this opening arrived with Hull.

There are some differences between the two competitions. The NRL might be a little quicker. When I went out there they had just introduced the two on-field referees and I think that makes it a bit faster around the ruck.

But it's the weather that's the real difference for me; because it's finer you can do more and better work in training.

I don't think there's a big difference in the actual standard of NRL and Super League. Australia just perform better than us generally when it matters but hopefully we'll get some wins over them at the Four Nations.

As for Hull, we've started well with two wins from two but we've got a tough game in Wrexham on Sunday.

The Crusaders got their first win at Salford a week ago and we know it will be difficult down on their own patch.

I saw Gaz Raynor on Saturday, one of three former Hull lads now playing for the Crusaders. They're looking forward to this one and I'm sure him, Tommy Lee and Jamie Thackray will all be lifting their games against us.

We've got a lot of new players in this season and two of my former Roosters team-mates – Craig Fitzgibbon and Mark O'Meley – have settled in really well. Fitzy was outstanding against Huddersfield. It was amazing how much work he got through. They are both enjoying life over here and will do even better when this weather picks up.

Interview by Dave Craven