Widdop sets sights on making Four Nations after fine debut

The 21-year-old Yorkshireman excelled against France, scoring a try with his first touch in the 60-6 victory and showing all the flair that has earmarked the Melbourne Storm rookie as a star of the future.

Remarkably, it was only Widdop's third-ever game at senior level but the stylish full-back, who is deputy to Australia legend Billy Slater at the NRL club, repaid the faith shown in him by new England coach Steve McNamara with an assured display that offered hints of genuine class.

However, Widdop, whose family emigrated from Halifax five years ago, flew back to Australia last night knowing he is likely to be playing in the second-string Toyota Cup for his club side this weekend following Slater's return from injury.

"With Billy back I'll probably play there and probably will do for most of the year," he admitted. "But it's a good competition – I'm not going to get my hopes down because I'm not playing (first) grade.

"I enjoyed my England debut and hopefully I can get a few more games.

"Obviously, there were a few questions about the fact I'd only played two NRL games but the systems they have over there are pretty good and that helps a lot.

"That (Saturday) was the start and I might not get picked at the end of the year but I've had a taste of it.

"I'm just going to keep working on my game and if I do then that's good for me and hopefully England can take out the Four Nations and World Cup in a few years time."

Widdop, who also kicked two goals, was backed by an army of around 40 family and friends from Halifax, predominantly wearing Melbourne jersies at Leigh.

A balanced and elegant runner, he showed quality ball skills to have a hand in two more tries after his own and the manner in which he chimed into the line, offering great footwork and guile to regularly escape opponents, while confidently carrying the ball one-handed as he returned kicks, offered plenty of similarities with the great Slater.

He consistently linked well with four-try Sam Tomkins and Huddersfield's Kevin Brown who formed a new half-back combination in the absence of St Helens' injured Kyle Eastmond.

"I only got to know them this week and for a first time out I thought it went pretty well," he said. "Hopefully, a few years down the line we can keep that combination and win a few more games."

However, it is a sign of the magnitude of his performance that it is hard to imagine Widdop will not be the starting full-back a few months down the line.