Thursday 23 October 2014 12:15, UK
The 2014 Four Nations gets underway on Saturday with England vying with holders Australia, New Zealand and Samoa to take the honours Down Under.
There is a growing confidence in Steve McNamara’s England camp that the tourists could turn heads in the tournament, which is co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
England have a talented, progressive and young squad preparing for the competition, even though last year’s World Cup star Sam Burgess is crossing codes - albeit he is sidelined through injury anyway.
McNamara's men kick off against the weakest team in the tournament Samoa on Saturday morning (7am BST) while the game’s big-two Australia and New Zealand clash in the second bill of the double header in Brisbane.
England were the runners-up to Australia in the 2011 Four Nations on home soil, suffering a 30-8 loss to the Kangaroos at Elland Road - Ryan Hall bagging their only try of the game.
A number of England’s players ply their trade in the NRL, James Graham, Tom and George Burgess, Gareth Widdop and Sam Tomkins while hooker Josh Hodgson has signed for Canberra Raiders.
Experienced playmaker Tomkins, who will line up alongside brother Joel on Saturday following his Wigan Warriors return from rugby union, believes McNamara’s men can impress.
“I think we’ll do well. There’s no reason why we can’t go and win it. We’ve got a very exciting squad together,” Sam told Sky Sports. “I think we can go out there with a lot of confidence, confidence taken from the World Cup last year.”
If England harbour serious hopes of pressing in the tournament then they will need to start well against unpredictable Samoa as much sterner tests lie await in the shape of Australia and New Zealand.
There is sure to be no love lost when the Kangaroos and Kiwis go head-to-head in Brisbane on Saturday. The pair frequently serve up tasty encounters filled with quality, passion and drama.
I think we’ll do well. There’s no reason why we can’t go and win it. We’ve got a very exciting squad together.
Australia atoned for their shock defeat in the 2008 rugby league World Cup final to New Zealand by toppling their nemesis in last’s final at Old Trafford. Billy Slater led the way as they romped home 34-2.
However, Australia head coach Tim Sheens will be missing a number of seasoned campaigners for the upcoming internationals. As well as missing star half-back Johnathan Thurston, the co-hosts will also be shorn of Slater, Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Matt Scott, Nate Myles, Paul Gallen and James Tamou as confirmed withdrawals due to injury, illness or suspension.
When one door closes another opens and the game’s leading nation are not short of talent. Josh Mansour and Daniel Tupou and Dylan Walker will all debut for the Green and Gold in Brisbane.
On their day New Zealand are capable of beating anyone. They have quality in abundance, although they, like England, will be without one of their aces following Sonny-Bill Williams’ return to union.
Benji Marshall was a surprise omission from the side following a short spell in union, however, Stephen Kearney has Jason Nightingale, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Shaun Johnson, Jesse Bromwich, Thomas Leuluai, Adam Blair and captain Simon Mannering in the ranks.
The Kiwis missed out on a place in the 2011 final to England after their 28-6 loss in at the KC Stadium while Kearney’s men will also be looking to restore pride following their thumping at Old Trafford to Australia.
Samoa’s preparations have been far from ideal. Reni Maitua, Tautau Moga and Sauaso Sue have been left out of their opening by head coach Matt Parish for disciplinary reasons.
The trio have been punished for their part in a nightclub incident in Brisbane last weekend while also being on the receiving end of $10,000 (£5,000) Australian dollars each.
