Who's Playing Who?

It may have been rumoured that Wests Tigers back-rower Chris Heighington was switching allegiances to England last year after missing out on NSW Origin selection, but the man himself said that it was simply that, a rumour.

Heighington, who played his junior football for the Umina Bunnies on NSW’s Central Coast, is hoping to add to his Country appearance in 2008 after some big seasons for the Tigers and a stint as Country’s 18^th man in 2010.

And whilst people were speculating that a move to the England side was on the cards last year, it never really entered Heighington’s mind.

“I didn’t really throw that English thing out there, but it sort of did,” Heighington said.

“I chose to stick solid hopefully I’ll get the chance in the future to represent Australia and NSW in the pinnacle of rugby league.”

But despite all the talk about possible selection, Heighington is trying to ignore it.

“I’m just trying to focus on the Tigers, and go from there,” he said.

“I know State of Origin is the pinnacle of rugby league, but I’ll just take it week by week and see where it gets me.”

After debuting with the Tigers in 2003, Heighington cemented his spot in the side mid-way through their Premiership year in 2005, playing in the grand final off the interchange bench.

Since the success he has grown from a bench player into an 80 minute workhorse, and has won the Tigers Ironman award three times.

But despite all the success at club level, Heighington saw his Country appearance in 2008 as one of his greatest honours.

“If I get selected again it would be awesome. It’s a great week, and they’re all good lads and it’s usually a good game of footy,” he said.

“You learn a lot from the blokes about professionalism, and I got to play with blokes like Nathan Hindmarsh and Danny Buderus and they were great, and really helped me a lot.”

To ensure that you don’t miss out on possibly seeing Chris Heighington or any number of NSW’s superstars strut their stuff in this year’s Country vs City clash, grab your tickets for the game through Ticketek on 132 849, at Ticketek outlets or online at http://www.ticketek.com.au.

The match acts as the centrepiece of a big celebration of rugby league in Albury, so make sure you grab your tickets early and get set for Country Rugby League’s biggest week.