KIERAN Dixon hopes a return to form with Hull KR in 2015 can secure a long-desired call-up to the England national side.
Having been on the verge of Steve McNamara's selections, the former London winger was dealt a hammer blow to his goal when sustaining a devastating knee injury in 2013 – ironically whilst playing for the England Knights against Samoa.
Putting paid to most of his 2014 campaign, a frustrated Dixon was overlooked for the Four Nations competition, with McNamara preferring Wigan's Josh Charnley and Leeds winger Ryan Hall.
However, after overcoming the knee problem in August, Dixon is looking to rediscover his undisputed and impressive try-scoring record of 38 tries in 52 appearances in the capital whilst turning out for the Robins in 2015.
"Any young player wants to play for his country," the 22-year-old told the Mail.
"The ultimate goal was to pull on that England shirt as soon as I started playing rugby.
"It's tough for me given I've been out injured for so long and I feel I have fallen under the radar.
"I need a good pre-season under my belt to help me get back to the form."
Robins head coach Chris Chester has wiped the slate clean on his new-look KR squad, with Dixon one of 13 new additions in east Hull for Super League XX.
The winger was grateful for the three-year deal offered to him by KR, with the aforementioned knee injury keeping the winger sidelined until a long awaited return with a try in the 40-36 win against Leeds – coinciding with London's first and only win of the 2014 campaign.
Dixon, who has his eye on both the full-back position and a winger's spot, is under no illusions that the current pre-season will be the most important of his career to date, especially with strong recruitment within the back-line at the Robins.
With a new challenge ahead of him after penning a three-year deal at Rovers, Dixon is looking to take the positives from his injury, despite having such a disrupted year.
"Pulling through my injury this year has made me a stronger person," Dixon added.
"I will work hard in pre-season and I will be ready for the start of the new season."
