THE lure of competing against the best in the world proved just too great for Wolves duo Chris Bridge and Ben Harrison in determining their international futures.

Both players recently received England call-ups as reward for impressive seasons at Warrington, Bridge making his debut in Friday’s 48-12 win against Wales.

But it was not a simple case of accepting the call when club coach Tony Smith told the pair he wanted them in his England train-on squad for the Four Nations.

Having played for Ireland in the past, Bridge and Harrison had to make the tough decision to switch their international allegiances before agreeing to pull on the red and white shirt.

Ultimately, the decision hinged on one major factor – the potential opportunity to regularly test themselves against the best players in the game.

That chance would present itself with England, who regularly face Four Nations opponents Australia and New Zealand, but perhaps not with Ireland, who are currently competing in the European Cup against the likes of Wales, Scotland and Serbia.

And Bridge, who was also selected in the final 24-man squad for the Four Nations, is hoping to get the call at some point during the tournament, which kicks off tonight against France in Doncaster.

“The England call came out of the blue but it was a nice surprise and I’m really proud,” said the Oldham-born centre.

“It was a tough decision to stop playing for Ireland but the big thing is that I want to play against the best players in the world and I’ll get that chance with England.

“I think it’s a disgrace that Ireland have been left out of the Four Nations after their performance at last year’s World Cup and that France have been included instead.

“But I’m really pleased to be playing for England. I enjoyed my debut and I thought it went well for the short time I got, so hopefully I’ll get another chance against France.”

Harrison missed out on selection against Wales despite being included in the 20-man squad for the game and did not make the cut for the Four Nations but insists he has learned a lot from the experience and is positive about his international future.

“I was surprised to get the call-up,” said the back rower, who hails from Barrow.

“I didn’t really think there was any opportunity at this point in my career so I was delighted.

“I enjoyed playing for Ireland and it was a hard situation.

“I do feel like I’m letting them down a bit but the chance to play against Australia and New Zealand was a big deciding factor.

“I was disappointed I didn’t get my first cap against Wales but, at the same time, Tony spoke to me and said it gives me something to work towards.

“It’s given me a major focus for my career.”

Both Bridge and Harrison can see 2009 as a breakthrough year.

For Bridge it marked an end to uncertainty, in terms of position and injury problems.

After playing just two games last season due to an Achilles injury, the 25-year-old was a virtual ever-present last season, making more appearances than in any previous year during his Warrington career, 28 in total.

In previous campaigns he had also paid the price for his versatility, being used at full back, wing, centre and stand off, without ever having a settled run in one position.

But, after the arrival of Smith in April, Bridge slowly established himself as first-choice right centre and put in a string of outstanding performances for the Challenge Cup winners.

It is hard to believe such a talented player feared for his Wolves future at the start of 2009, especially as he recently signed a contract extension to stay at the club until 2012, but Bridge credits Smith for helping save his career.

He said: “Since Tony took over I have improved massively and it’s the best thing that could’ve happened to me.

“I thought I was on my way out of the club until he arrived.

“It’s helped that I’ve found a position. I had a one-on-one meeting with Tony and said I wanted to play centre and he’s given me that chance.

“I’m really happy to be staying at the club and next year I want to get to the Grand Final.”

Harrison has also signed on until 2012 after making the breakthrough from fringe player to first-team regular, thanks to his hard-working and powerful performances at loose forward.

Having made only six starts in his previous two years in the first-grade squad, the 21-year-old played 30 games last season, more than any other Wolves player, starting 25 of them.

He said: “I had a rough year the year before but this year, Tony gave me a solid chance to play.

“He appreciated the workrate that a lot of people don’t see, doing the hard carries and getting back behind the ball, all the things like that.

“He’s been brilliant for me and helped me improve a lot this season by giving me constant pointers on my game.

“I’ve got personal goals for next season and I just want to keep on improving.”