The feisty star is celebrating after being called up into the England train-on squad for the World Cup in Australia after he thought his international playing days were over.

But Higham's sparkling form this summer – particularly in the latter half of the season – caught the attention of England coach Tony Smith, who has named the player not wanted by Warriors, along with Wigan team-mates Gareth Hock, Stuart Fielden and Mark Calderwood.

Higham, who played his last game in a cherry and white shirt in the play-off defeat at Leeds on Friday, was surprised and delighted when he got the call from the RFL.

He said: "This has come like a bolt out of the blue. I was at home looking forward to a few weeks off with my feet up when the next thing, I learned I was back in training today.
"But I'm not moaning. This is a great honour for me, and while it's been a relatively successful season with Wigan, this call-up is some consolation after losing to Leeds.

"I turned 28 a couple of weeks ago and I honestly thought that my days of Test rugby were over.

"I have a chance yet, but I think I have to realistically accept that this is my last chance. This is even more reason to try to impress at training and hope I can get the nod."

Higham has travelled Down Under on international duty before. The Warrington-bound player was named in the Great Britain squad that flew there for the 2006 Tri-Nations tournament.

However, he only featured in one warm-up game at Newcastle before being sent home. Higham added: "If I can get aboard that flight I will be itching for the real thing this time."

At the moment, Higham is the only recognised No.9 in the England squad.

But it will be supplemented by players from Grand Finalists St Helens and Leeds, and fellow hookers James Roby and Matt Diskin are strongly expected to be called up.
Before flying to Australia, England will meet Wales at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on October 10.

Calderwood has been added to the England squad despite having earlier been called up by Scotland.
He could get his chance because of an injury to Hull winger Gareth Raynor.

Joel Tomkins is in the running for the young player of the year award at the Man of Steel ceremony in Manchester tonight.

Leeds winger Lee Smith has been referred to tonight's RFL's disciplinary committee meeting after allegedly kicking out at Phil Bailey at Headingley. If Smith is banned, he will miss the Grand Final with Saints on Saturday.