Higham determined to make it count

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Higham shared the hooking duties for Great Britain with his former St Helens team-mate Keiron Cunningham in the 2005 Tri-Nations Series and also made the initial squad for the 2006 series, playing in the warm-up match in New South Wales before returning home.

He was on Tuesday named in coach Tony Smith's final 24-man squad for the World Cup and said: "It's special for me to get into this squad. I hope I can take the chance with both hands and prove I'm not a flash in the pan again."

He added: "It's been a long two years and World Cups don't come around too often. I can't remember the last one.

"I'm made up I got the call because I had no inkling. It took me by surprise.

"To be honest, I had doubts in my mind about whether I would have the chance to play for my country again."

The door opened for Higham when both Terry Newton and Jon Clarke, who shared the hooking duties against New Zealand last year, were ruled out through injury but he still had to beat off competition from Leeds number nine Matt Diskin to claim the role of back-up to James Roby.

"I feel my form warranted it," he said. "I feel as if I've got back to something I know I'm capable of and Tony has seen that.

"There was maybe a bit of luck as well with a couple injured but that's sport. You've got to take your chance when you can."