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Rugby League's Four Nations

Author: John Harris
Date: 17/10/2009
Rugby League betting

Twelve months on from a disastrous World Cup performance, England return to international action in a Four Nations competition on home soil.

England, sportsbook favourites Australia, New Zealand and France will all compete for the trophy which was formerly known as the Tri-Nations and did not include France.

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England are also making their debut in the competition, having previously taken part as a combined Great Britain side.

However, coach Tony Smith has made sweeping changes to his squad which he named at the end of the recently completed Super League season.

Smith has axed more than half of the players who were involved in last year's disappointing World Cup campaign in Australia.

England lost to the hosts and New Zealand in the group stages, before going down again to the Kiwis in the semi-finals.

With that disappointment in mind, Smith has made a raft of changes and Warrington centre Chris Bridge is the surprise inclusion in the 24-man squad after previously starring for Ireland.

St Helens youngster Kyle Eastmond and Wigan stand-off Sam Tomkins make the squad for the first time, but Saints trio Leon Pryce, Ade Gardner and Paul Wellens as well as Leeds' Rob Burrow and Jamie Jones-Buchanan are left out.

"I think it's time to put some fresh faces in," said Smith. "We've got some young people coming through and they deserve a chance.

"This series is about now but it's also about the future and we want to build for the future. We feel that they're ready now."

This new-look England side take on Wales in a warm-up game in Bridgend on Saturday.

When the tournament begins the following weekend, the three group stages games come thick and fast with France the first opposition at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on October 23.

England then take on much-fancied Australia at the DW Stadium in Wigan on October 31 before facing New Zealand at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium seven days later.

"There's only one way to gain experience and that's by picking them," added Smith of his youthful charges.

"They've had tremendous years and deserve to be there."

New Zealand are second favourites despite edging out Australia in last year's World Cup Final.

Meanwhile, France are expected to be tournament whipping boys as they are easily the lowest ranked team taking part despite their recent and rapid progression.

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