Jake Connor has spoken of his excitement at the opportunity to represent the Combined Nations All Stars against England on Friday night.
Connor was named in Tim Sheens’ side earlier this week ahead of the game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium alongside fellow Black & White stars Chris Satae and Andre Savelio.
Speaking on his selection for the side, he said: “I had an inkling that was name was in contention for selection. It’s something different for me and the opportunity to play in a big game, which I couldn’t turn down. They’re the games I want to play in.
“You want to test yourself against the best, and we’re up against a really strong England side, which should make for a great occasion on Friday night.
“It’s another chance to get big game experience under our belts, which is beneficial for everyone involved.
“My mindset is the same as it is every week. I want to play well and carry on the consistency. I’m pretty settled in my full-back spot at Hull now have put a good run of form together, so it’s just about continuing that.”
The full-back also explained his excitement to represent the heritage of his father’s side of the family, who hail from the Caribbean nation of Trinidad.
“It’s a chance to represent my dad and grandad’s Trinidadian heritage, which is another big reason why I chose to play.
“My heritage is important to me – it’s really important to my dad’s side of the family. I’m not sure they quite understood the concept of the game at first with the fact I’ll be playing against England rather than for them, but they’ve got their head around it now and they really supportive and excited to watch me play.”
Connor also explained the chance to line up against some of Super League’s best overseas stars is one that he is looking forward.
“I’m looking forward to playing with Jackson Hastings again – obviously we’ve linked up previously for Great Britain. But having him in the halves alongside Aidan Sezer is really exciting. We should be able to build some nice combinations in the spine.
“It’s a great side – we’ve got a big pack which can get us on the front foot and a spine that can play off the back of that.”
“We’ve only got two on field sessions so its all about fine tuning and working out how each other plays on a quick turnaround.
You can catch the full interview with Jake Connor with BBC Radio Humberside by clicking here
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