Along with Gareth Hock and Mark Calderwood, the in-form hooker is one of three Wigan players invited to jet out to Australia later this month, but there's no place for team-mate Stuart Fielden.

Higham – who will be a Warrington player next year after his release from the JJB Stadium – said: "It's great to get the call on the international front again and I must admit it came as a bit of a surprise.

"I always thought this was probably my last chance and I knew I faced some very tough competition.
"It's a bit ironic that Wigan don't want me and England do, but it's not for me to judge.
"England coach Tony Smith must have seen something.

"I've worked hard and hit some decent form recently and that probably swayed it.
"It's certainly exciting though, and I'm made up for Mark Calderwood and Gaz Hock too."

Higham hasn't played full representative rugby for three years and is determined not to repeat the disappointment of his last Test call-up.
He jetted out to Australia for the 2006 Tri-Nations, but didn't make the final cut.

Higham added: "I only played one friendly against Newcastle before I flew home again.
"It was a disappointment and I'm determined to get some of the real thing this time."
Higham faced Australia and New Zealand in the 2005 Tri-Nations.

The 24-man panel includes 15 players who were involved in last Saturday's Grand Final.
Captained by Jamie Peacock, the squad contains eight players from champions Leeds – including Harry Sunderland trophy winner Lee Smith – and seven from St Helens.

Tony Smith said: "This squad has an excellent chance of heading to Australia and returning with the World Cup for the first time since 1972.
"With an average age of just over 26, it features a number of proven internationals, some of whom have never lost to Australia, as well as players who have hit form at the right part of the season."

England fly out next Monday to prepare for their first game against Papua New Guinea in Townsville on Saturday, October 25.
They then face Australia in Melbourne on Sunday, November 2, and New Zealand on Saturday, November 8.

Before then, England play a warm-up game against Wales at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on Friday night.