St Helens ace Tommy Makinson insists Leeds comes before Denver in his mind
Winger heads to USA to link up with England for the first time - but he has important business to get out of the way first
TOMMY Makinson insists there will be no Colorado dreaming – he has other important business to attend to no matter what others may say.
The St Helens winger flies out to Denver after being called up to the England squad for the first time for next week’s Test with New Zealand.
But there will be no letting his mind wander to the other side of the Atlantic until tonight’s clash with Leeds is out of the way, even though some already have.
“There will be nothing,” said Makinson, who admits he has a ‘massive job’ to depose Ryan Hall or Jermaine McGillvary in Wayne Bennett’s team.
“I was speaking to the missus and people are saying, ‘Congrats, congrats,’ and I’m like, ‘I’ve got a game first, let’s get that out of the way.’
“Something in my game that our coach Justin Holbrook has helped with is preparation. England is England but I can speak about that on Sunday when I’m flying.”
Makinson, 26, admits he had his Sunday morning disturbed when he received the call that he will be linking up with former Saints team-mate James Graham again.
And he revealed Bennett’s English-based players have already had a glimpse of what to expect from Denver, a place he feels is ready to welcome rugby league, even though there are some concerns about its 5,280 feet altitude.
He added: “When I got the call it was a very special moment. It was 9am and it woke me up, which isn’t a bad way to get up!
“My missus was like, ‘Jamie Peacock’s ringing you!’ but I’ve had calls in the past where I’ve been involved but not made it. This time, though, it was a yes and to say I was excited was an understatement! To hear the word yes, I was blown away.
“We’ve been shown around Denver virtually so we know what to expect from the place and the stadium. What a place and they’re expecting 35,000-40,000 too so it can only be good for the game. I feel it’s a sport the Americans will love.
“We’ve been told about the altitude effects but it will be the same for both teams.”
