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rugby league news
7 November 2009
Bridge out to take England chance
England debutant Chris Bridge is determined to make the most of his chance against New Zealand at Huddersfield on Saturday night.
The 25-year-old Warrington centre will make his full debut for his country in the crunch Four Nations clash at the Galpharm Stadium, where he first came to the attention of his Wolves and England boss.
Tony Smith was Huddersfield's head coach in 2000 when a 16-year-old Bridge began catching the eye as a goalkicking stand-off in the club's academy.
"He was probably the best talent within the club at that early age," recalled Smith.
"He was on contract but we lost him because we got relegated and Bradford took him off us.
"We realised at that stage he was probably the hottest talent around. He probably hasn't lived up to some of that. He showed glimpses throughout his career but he's had some injuries and other issues."
The other issues were off-field problems that barred his progress at Bradford and briefly surfaced earlier this year when he was arrested for an incident outside a nightclub in Warrington.
Bridge and team-mate Ben Harrison were fined by the club but Smith is convinced his England player is a reformed character.
"He made a little error," he said. "He shouldn't have been out at that time of night.
"As far as handling the incident went, he got a lot of plaudits from the police. He was well and truly innocent, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"Some people are prone to go off the rails from time to time but he has shown no sign of that in recent times and seems to be making a commitment to his rugby league.
"And, while ever he does that, he's got a big future. I've seen much more maturity even since he's been involved with England."
Bridge, who made his England debut as a substitute in the warm-up match against Wales in Bridgend, got his chance when Smith decided to shake up the right-sided defence that caved in against Australia a week ago.
The Oldham-born Bridge says he has been in the best form of his career this year and puts that down to his switch of position.
"I would say it's the best I've played and the best string of appearances as well," he said.
"Because I've got utility value, I've been moved around so much, that I haven't really established myself.
"But I've had a really good year at centre and, now I've been given my opportunity with England, it's up to me to take it with both hands."
Bridge enjoyed his finest moment in August when he helped Warrington lift the Challenge Cup at Wembley and is hoping to top that feeling by helping England reach the Four Nations final.
"I thought I had a really good game at Wembley," he said. "I was as nervous as I've ever been.
"Standing in the tunnel, I can remember goose bumps all over my arms and legs. It's something I'll never forget but I think this will be better."
