The 30-year-old is a giant in stature and reputation, but in our one-on-one interview the one-club man explained why he nearly quit the game earlier in his career.
Crabtree relishes facing Adrian Morley and loves playing at Hull FC's KC stadium, while the no-nonsense England international also admits he is something of a moaner...
@katierhinos4lfe: Who is the toughest player you've ever played against?
@BigEorl: I think there are quite a few tough players. I think Solomon Haumono who played at London was probably the toughest guy I've faced like that, squared up to him as well and realised afterwards he used to be a heavyweight boxer and would have ripped my head off! Adrian Morley as well, we've had a few battles over the years, which has been good for me as it is a sign of respect as well.
@nyorkswildcats: Are you relishing going up against Wakefield and Justin Poore in a few weeks?
@BigEorl: I couldn't care less to be honest, with the team we've got at the moment. I'll be going up against Justin Poore who is obviously a quality player and very aggressive, but then we've got Kopy (Craig Kopczak), Stuart Fielden, Mull (Anthony Mullally) and Larne Patrick. I think we've got a few top players in our team as well so it will be a nice little battle. I'm more bothered about rocking up against Wakey and playing one of my best mates in Andy Raleigh. It's always interesting playing your mates.
@terry_burdon: What is the biggest hurdle you've had to overcome?
@BigEorl: I think the biggest hurdle was when I was about 21. I wasn't getting in the first team and I was very much out of favour, couldn't do anything right no matter how hard I tried and didn't get treated in the best way. But I came through the other side and I think that was my biggest hurdle. I was ready to quit and I didn't want to play anymore. I wanted to go into the police and follow in my dad's footsteps in that sense. I had no passion for rugby anymore and lost all enjoyment within the game. Fortunately, like I said, I came through the other side and went on to represent my country.
@alexhatton10: Which team do you enjoy playing against the most?
@BigEorl: I enjoy playing against pretty much all the teams, but for some reason I like going to Hull. I've had some really good games there and just like the set-up, stadium, changing rooms and the pitch. It's always good and the atmosphere is always fantastic so that's my favourite place to go play.
I actually played very well in that game (last year's play-off defeat to Hull FC). I played 80 minutes which is the first time I've ever done that, so it's very memorable in that sense as well.
@millar1083: How long is your ponytail?
@BigEorl: I just had it cut so it's probably only about, I'm guessing, maybe five or six inches. It used to be about seven and a half, I've had about an inch and a half cut off and I feel naked with the fact it's been trimmed. I don't like it!
@anxietynomoreuk: Who is the biggest joker and biggest moaner in the Giants dressing room?
@BigEorl: I am probably up there with the biggest moaners. There's a few of us, me and Larne Patrick tend to moan together which is quite good. To be fair, we're just a team full of moaners! Biggest joker, I don't know if we really have one anymore. I think everyone just has a bit of a laugh. Dale Ferguson (who left for Hull KR on loan) was always going round so we've lost him and he was a bit of a pain in the backside. We've got a great bunch of lads that all seem to have a funny side to them, always playing little tricks on people and stuff like that which is good. But definitely biggest moaner has to be me.
@mattybell02: Where do you think the Giants will finish and who will win the Grand Final?
@BigEorl: I'm not sure where we will finish. I'd like to say we'll finish right at the top of the league but over the last couple of years we've not done that and I've been talking about top four. So I'm quite happy to just do a Leeds, finish in the top eight and then just go on and win it! Seriously, if we cement our place in the play-offs then I think we'll be happy. That's what it's all about at the end of the day, we want to be more consistent throughout the year. Who will win the Grand Final? I can't really say that because that would rule us out if I didn't say us.
@terry_burdon: Do you straighten your hair or is it natural?
@BigEorl: It's naturally straight hair, I'm blessed in that way!
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