SAM Wood knows hard work when he sees it – and it is not as a rugby league player.
Instead, hearing what stepfather Andy did for a living as a social worker opened his eyes to what that is all about.
The Castleford star is the surprise face in boss Shaun Wane’s England squad to face France in Toulouse on Saturday.
A series of fine displays have put him in line for a Test debut and hearing some of the tales of what his stepdad endured have kept him grounded.
Wood said: “What’s he’s done is hard work, we only get paid for having fun to be honest.
“When he was working as a social worker, it was full on, now he’s helping with the fostering team.
“It’s full on and you see stuff you don’t think actually can go on in the world. We just play rugby league and enjoy ourselves.
“It keeps me grounded. Everyone around me is hard working and you don’t get ideas too above your station.
“I’ve tried to base my game on effort levels and the tough work not everyone may want to do. I try to thrive in that environment and do what’s best for the team.”
Centre Wood, 26, was soaking up the sun when boss Wane – who the Rugby Football League is waiting to hear can travel following a minor ankle operation – made the call.
And it has meant a scramble to get his family there, with one eye on the wallet.
Wood, a former defender for Spen Valley Boys’ football team, added: “Andy wasn’t with me at the time but he came around later that afternoon and was over the moon, like all my family. They couldn’t believe it.
“I had to tell them twice, I needed to tell myself a few more times! I didn’t really believe it myself.
“I don’t have Shaun’s number and I don’t normally answer calls if I don’t have someone’s number saved but I did this time.
“And knowing Andy, he was probably looking at the cheapest way of getting to Toulouse. I think they’re getting three trains and five buses!
“I was in the garden soaking up the rays. The call came completely out of the blue, it’s something I wasn’t expecting at all and I’m still a bit overwhelmed by it all if I’m honest.
“I can’t really put any words to it, putting the shirt on is a moment I didn’t think would happen but I’m here now and kitted up. It’s getting more real.”
