YORK-BORN Ross Divorty is praying he gets the nod to play against the country of his birth tomorrow in what would be the “biggest game of his life” so far.

Divorty, the former New Earswick ARLC junior, is part of the 24-man Wales party for the Gillette Four Nations and is in line to be in Iestyn Harris’ 17 for their opener against England at Leigh Sporting Village having been named in a 19-man match-day squad.

The 22-year-old back-rower won a Co-operative Championship winners’ medal when helping Featherstone to grand final glory last month prior to joining Championship rivals Halifax, but, says the ex-York City Knights star, playing tomorrow (2.30pm) would easily top his list of memorable occasions.

“It’s massive,” said the former Archbishop Holgate’s School pupil. “It’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss. It’s definitely the biggest game of my career. These opportunities don’t come round too often and I’m definitely looking forward to it and hoping I get selected.

“I played in the warm-up game against Ireland last week and a few people said I did quite well, so hopefully that will help me to get picked.”

The Four Nations kicks off tonight as Australia take on New Zealand in Warrington (8pm). Wales, who qualified for the tournament by shocking France in last year’s European Cup final, are rank outsiders against the three automatic qualifiers.

“I would not say we’re massive underdogs, especially against England,” said Divorty. “We will take it one game at a time and we’ll put a lot into the England game. I think we’ve got a reasonable chance.”

As for his personal aims, he said: “It’s the same – a case of taking it one game at a time. It would be great to play.

“I’m only 22 and I’m learning a lot just by playing and training with such quality players.

“I played against England (in a friendly) two years ago and it will be good to test myself even more. England are pretty strong, and obviously so are Australia and New Zealand, and these are definitely games you want to play in.”

Divorty, the son of former Great Britain international Gary Divorty, represented Yorkshire and England Schoolboys in his youth, but has since nailed his colours to Wales, qualifying for the principality through his Welsh-born grandmother. He made his debut in 2009 and has six caps, with two tries.

“I will support Wales all the way,” added Divorty, speaking from the team’s camp in Wrexham, where they have been based for two weeks.

That camp was rocked this week by the announcement former Wales RU captain Gareth Thomas was retiring from all rugby with immediate effect.

The 37-year-old legend, who won 100 union caps before switching to league with Crusaders two years ago, had reportedly been lined up with a shock move to Wigan after the Four Nations.

“I got to know him when playing for Wales last year and he’s a great lad and one of the characters in the team, as is (Warrington star) Lee Briers,” said Divorty.

“You’re made to feel equal among them. It’s a bit of a blow that he won’t be playing but we’ve got good cover and it gives someone else a chance.”

Tickets are available by phoning 0844 856 1113. For anyone travelling to Leigh by train, the nearest station is Atherton. For train times and prices, visit the www.tpexpress.co.uk website.