Monday 10 October 2016 07:53, UK
Stefan Ratchford is set to be recalled to the England squad and this time hopes to make it across the line.
The Warrington utility player went on the 2014 Four Nations tour down under but never got to play a game while he was ruled out of last year's Test series against New Zealand through injury.
Now the 28-year-old is set to be rewarded for a stellar season with the Wolves and that will help ease his pain from Saturday's 12-6 Grand Final loss to Wigan.
"I've got my fingers crossed," Ratchford said. "The dream is to get the England call and, if that happens, it will ease the pain slightly.
"I went on tour in 2014 as a non-playing member and was not selected last year when I had a couple of operations.
"Obviously I'm never going to give up, it's the ultimate honour to represent your country.
"You just want to do as much as you can to put yourself in the frame for an England jersey. If it comes, I'll be over the moon.
"If not, I'll have a good rest and rip back in pre-season and hopefully get the call sooner or later."
Ratchford could be one of up to nine inclusions from the Grand Final when new coach Wayne Bennett unveils his 24-man squad for the international against France on October 22, which will help England prepare for the Four Nations clashes with New Zealand, Scotland and Australia.
Ratchford's Warrington team-mates Ben Westwood and Ben Currie are ruled out through injury but club captain Chris Hill and hooker Daryl Clark are sure to be called up.
A question mark still surrounds the availability of England captain Sean O'Loughlin despite his late inclusion in Wigan's Grand Final team, but Dan Sarginson is expected to get a call, along with team-mates George Williams, Liam Farrell and John Bateman.
