He has never played in Super League, but that hasn’t stopped Garry Schofield backing Martyn Ridyard to make an England appearance in the future.
Ridyard, who has spent the entirety of his professional career at his hometown club, was the standout performer in Leigh’s Qualifiers victory over Huddersfield, scoring two spectacular tries to secure the Centurions’ return to the promised land.
The 30-year-old will finally get his chance at the top table next season, just months after his future at the club looked uncertain following the arrival of halfbacks Josh Drinkwater and Travis Burns, that saw him subsequently left out of the match day squad.
However, having impressed once again for Leigh last week, speaking in his League Express column ‘Pulling No Punches’, Schofield believes a strong Super League season could see him earn international recognition.
“Once again Martyn Ridyard caught my eye over the weekend,” he said.
“If he enjoys a good first season in Super League, he’ll be in a great position to win an England shirt. In fact, given the lack of quality we have in his position, I’d suggest he’d be able to do a decent job there now!
“Many congratulations to Leigh Centurions, whose promotion to Super League is now confirmed. They have enjoyed numerous successes over Super League sides in the last couple of seasons, and they’ve done enough to convince me that they’ll be challenging for a spot in next season’s top eight.”
Schofield’s column this week focuses on the battle to avoid the Million Pound Game. To read the former Great Britain captain’s honest assessment of Huddersfield, Hull Kingston Rovers and Salford Red Devils, get a copy of the paper today, available in stores or online at totalrl.com/le
