Chris sets World Cup target

2:45pm Friday 9th May 2008

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Harlequins RL star Chris Melling is hoping an injury-free remainder to the Super League season will force him into England's World Cup plans.

Melling, who has made seven substitute appearances after spending nine out with a groin injury, grabbed his first try in Sunday's 18-16 defeat by Catalan Dragons at the Millennium Stadium.

The 23-year-old, capped for Great Britain against France last June, has his sights set on making the October showcase Down Under.

"I am just taking it game by game building my fitness up," said Melling.

"I'm just waiting for a chance to play back at full-back or a position I am more familiar with. It is all about getting game time at the moment.

"But the World Cup is definitely in my mind. I had a chance last year and thought I grabbed it with both hands.

"I had the injury which didn't help and missing the past few months has been frustrating.

"But now I am back playing and I'm looking to put in some good performances."

Melling's try, at the end of a flowing move involving Jon Wells and Scott Hill, was a rare bright spot at the weekend as Quins threw away a 10-point lead in the final eight minutes.

Melling admitted: "My try is a personal thing that lasts 30 seconds but it is the result that matters.

"Everyone is frustrated and angry. We didn't do the things we said we were going to do in the second half.

"Unfortunately I haven't got any answers.

"We didn't put the ball where we wanted to and we didn't defend how we wanted to defend.

"We only have ourselves to blame."