“Castleford’s Sam Wood ‘Shocked’ by Shock England Call-Up”
On June 24th, 2024, Castleford Tigers centre Sam Wood expressed his “complete shock” at receiving a call-up to the England squad for their upcoming match against France this Saturday. The 26-year-old, who joined Castleford from Hull KR ahead of the current season, has made a strong impression at The Jungle, featuring in all 15 of the club’s games so far.
While Wood’s try count may only stand at three, his industrious playing style has caught the eye, with the centre consistently surpassing 100 metres per game and averaging over one offload on an impressive 16 carries. This hard-working approach has now been rewarded with a potential debut for the national team, as he is one of six potential debutants named in Shaun Wane’s squad, alongside his former Hull KR teammate Elliot Minchella.
“I was a bit shocked, to be honest. I was lost for words when I got the call.”
- Sam Wood, Castleford Tigers centre
With Leeds Rhinos’ Harry Newman the only other natural centre selected, the Castleford man is likely to earn a starting berth on Saturday, a significant achievement that speaks to the impressive progress he has made under the guidance of his club.
In a video released by Castleford Tigers, Wood described the “overwhelming” nature of Wane’s phone call, revealing he was “a bit shocked” and “lost for words” upon receiving the unexpected news while spending time with his family. Acknowledging the sacrifices made by his loved ones and the hard work he has put in throughout his career, the centre expressed his excitement at the opportunity to “go with an open mind and take it all in.”
As he prepares to potentially make his England debut, Wood is relishing the chance to reunite with former Hull KR teammates, despite admitting to feeling “nervous and anxious.” Nonetheless, the Castleford Tigers star is determined to embrace the experience and showcase the quality that has earned him this prestigious call-up.
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