Jerry: I gave up World Cup to help win with Giants

Published date16 June 2022
Publication titleHuddersfield Daily Examiner
The Claret and Gold winger caught many off-guard last week when he announced he was bringing the curtain down on his England career at the age of 34

His form this season, and the fact he had been named in Shaun Wane's train-on squad ahead of the mid-season international break, suggested he was very much part of the thinking for the World Cup this autumn. But McGillvary insists he wants to prolong his career with his home-town club as long as possible before retiring from the game.

That meant he had no choice but to step away from England and ensure he gives everything to the Giants.

I've done justice. I nowhere to country happy

And he is planning to carry on playing for a few more years yet. With his current deal finishing at the end of next season, he has his sights set on a new contract, and he is keen to be part of what he believes can be a successful period under head coach Ian Watson.

"Retiring from international rugby is something I've been considering since I didn't get picked mid-season last year," he told the

Examiner. "I was picked for France but I had some family things to deal with so I had to pull out of that game.

"I'm at an age where it takes me longer to recover from games.

"I've played well this year and I think it's because I had a proper break.

"With a mid-season Test and then a World Cup and being thrown back into pre-season without much of a

England came from play for my and I'm so with what I achieved break, that would be tough for next season. "I think this decision will prolong my club career and help me get an extra year at least with Huddersfield.

"It's a new era for Huddersfield. I've maybe got two more years maximum after this, and I want to make sure I'm at the top for those two years and not plodding along and dragging this team down.

"I can have a good pre-season, stay as injury-free as possible and make sure I can go out on the right terms. I think that's what I've done with England, it's been on my terms."

McGillvary, who has played 271 games for the GIANTS, scored 12 times in 17 appearances for England, but said that with the plethora of high-quality wingers now available for Wane to select from, he felt it was right he stepped aside and allowed them to make their mark.

That is despite the England head coach telling him he...

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