State of Mind would to congratulate Eorl Crabtree on his landmark 400 career appearances
Huddersfield Giants prop Eorl Crabtree said getting to 400 career appearances has “been a long old slog” in the game against St Helens on Sunday. The giant forward made his debut as an 18-year-old against London Broncos in 2000 and has since become one of the most recognisable figures in First Utility Super League.
Career highlights include winning the League Leaders’ Shield, playing in two Challenge Cup finals and representing England on 18 occasions.
“I’ve still got a few years left as well so I don’t know how many appearances I’m going to rack up,” he said.
“Some people say your career flies but I tell you what, it hasn’t. It’s been a long old slog. I’ve been through some ups and down along the way so 400 is a number I’m quite proud of.”
The structure of Super League has changed once again in Crabtree’s 16th season, with the top eight set to fight it out for a place in the four-team play-offs after round 23 and the bottom four facing a scrap for survival against Championship clubs vying for promotion.
The new format, which brought with it the slogan ‘Every minute matters’, has led to an ultra-competitive start to Super League XX, and Crabtree believes the Giants are right in the mix despite an inconsistent start.
“No-one strikes me as being world-beaters. It’s wide open with everybody beating everybody. It’s great for the competition and gives everybody an opportunity.”
State of Mind have the utmost respect for all players who play the game so for Eorl to reach 400 games is a major achievement and we salute the skill, dedication and perseverance to stay at the top level for so long