Why Wigan Warriors' Oliver Gildart isn't taking Great Britain spot for granted

Oliver Gildart and the squad received a traditional New Zealand welcome. Picture: SWPixOliver Gildart and the squad received a traditional New Zealand welcome. Picture: SWPix
Oliver Gildart and the squad received a traditional New Zealand welcome. Picture: SWPix
Oliver Gildart will start against Tonga but is not taking his place in the Great Britain team for granted – despite being the only recognised centre in the squad!

The Lions launch their four-Test tour against the Tongans this Saturday.

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With Mark Percival and Kallum Watkins missing out through injury, Gildart is the only specialist centre among the 24 players - though Hull FC’s versatile Jake Connor has spent the majority of this season in that role.

But Wigan full-back Zak Hardaker has been picked at centre for Saturday’s Test, ahead of Connor – and Wayne Bennett has previously used John Bateman in that position.

Indeed, Gildart’s own experience in the international fold has taught him to expect the unexpected.

He explained: “You can’t take it for granted.

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“I wasn’t originally in the England squad last year, I only got picked late on when Sam Burgess pulled out and so there were three centres ahead of me – yet I ended up playing every game.

“So I’ll be working hard because you can’t take anything for granted.”