NEIL Turley's record-breaking year, which started on a monsoon night against pre-season tourists South Sydney, will end in the baking heat of South Africa.

The Leigh Centurions full-back is today celebrating his call-up to the full England Under 21s squad, capping a sensational year for the 21-year-old.

Turley is one of only five non-Super League players in the Under 21s squad dominated by rising stars from the elite division. The two-Test tour will see the cream of England's youth meet the full Springbok side on November 11 and 18.

Coached by John Kear, the Under 21s will stake their future international claims with full Tests in Pretoria and Germiston.

The Hilton Park star's emergence from obscurity to international recognition comes at the end of a year which has seen him quickly establish himself in the Centurions' senior side, smash the club and tries record and scoop a host of individual awards.

Turley haul of 56 tries last season was the most for a full-back in history and his 55 for Leigh smashed the previous Hilton Park record. He ended the campaign by being named NFP Player of the Year, NFP Players' Player and NFP Young Player.

Next step

But it was his outstanding form in two representatives games that probably persuaded selectors that he was ready to make the next step. As a substitute he scored one try and set up another couple in the Yorkshire v Lancashire game and only two weeks ago was on the scoresheet again as the NFP Under21s beat the Super League Under 21s.

When Turley steps on the plane he won't miss out on any Leigh company with Mick Higham and Rob Parker also making the trip.

Ex-Leigh hooker Higham made 11 Super League appearances for St Helens in 2001 while back rower Parker, a product of the Leigh East club, is with Bradford Bulls. He came to prominence late in the campaign while on loan with London Broncos.

Simon Svabic will have a minor knee operation on Saturday to clear up the problem that troubled him for much of last season.

He will miss two or three weeks training and may struggle to be 100 per cent match fit for the start of the season on December 2.