Saturday 1 November 2014 10:58, UK
Steve McNamara’s quest for a maiden Four Nations title will be aided by the increasing number of English players plying their trade in the NRL, according to former St Helens skipper James Graham.
Despite influential lock Sam Burgess' switch of codes to rugby union, and his subsequent omission from the squad, McNamara still has a wealth of English talent playing in the southern hemisphere to call upon.
Former Wigan star Sam Tomkins is a year into his contract with New Zealand Warriors, George and Tom Burgess continue to play at South Sydney - despite brother Sam's departure - while Gareth Widdop has established himself as an integral player at St George Illawarra.
Coach McNamara could also be viewed as another of those familiar with tactics and game preparation down under, following his appointment as assistant coach at the Sydney Roosters earlier this year.
Steve McNamara has been in the Australian system for 12 months and that definitely helps when it comes to the preparation side of things.
And Graham, who now plays for the Canterbury Bulldogs, believes there will be no shortage of inside knowledge when England take on Aussies in Melbourne on Sunday and New Zealand in Dunedin next Saturday - insisting their NRL experience can help them reach their first final Down Under.
"It helps. I know what it's like to come up against a Greg Inglis or a Shaun Johnson,” Graham said.
"Steve McNamara has been in the Australian system for 12 months and that definitely helps when it comes to the preparation side of things. We can pass that experience on to the other players."
From his first-hand experience, Graham is convinced England have what it takes to make a big impact in the tournament and cause an upset against the heavily fancied home favourites.
"They are great players, don't get me wrong, but they are human after all and they do make mistakes," he added.
New Zealand's 14-12 win over Samoa on Saturday morning means Australia will be unable to reach the November 15 final in Wellington if they lose to McNamara's men on Sunday.
