I assure you it's nothing to do with three big wins in this Autumn northern hemisphere series. If anything I thought we were scratchy and disorganised in attack, rarely tested in defense and a little bit unprofessional in going about our business in this recent series. Add to that a lot of big name players were missing, some of whom would walk into any squad in the tournament, and I'm not convinced we can take a lot from this little showing.
So, why do I think we have a fair crack at this?
- We have some of the best players in the world! This isn't my opinion, this is the opinion of the wider Rugby League world. Rugby League World listed Sam Burgess as 7th best player in the world and Sam Tomkins was voted 10th best player in the world. 9 other England players made the RLW top 100 for 2012. Ryan Hall retained his title as RLIF Winger of the Year and James Graham was awarded the top prop honours.
- We have more and more players playing at the highest level! The NRL has come hunting for British talent and has helped bring some guys through for us as well. Gareth Ellis leaves Wests to come back home but he has three outstanding years and one injury dogged one at the top level. Gareth Widdop gets in the premiership winning Melbourne side week in week out. James Graham made a big impact at minor premiers Canterbury. Sam Burgess is a leader at the returning to competitiveness South Sydney Rabbitohs, with his brother Luke keeping a starting jumper through most of 2012 too and George even showing potential, with his twin Tom also now on the NRL roster. Jack Reed and Chris Heighington have come through NRL systems and are experienced top level players. Even Scott Moore has been given a lifeline in the NRL at the Cowboys and rumours have been out there for the likes of Briscoe and Hock to be in demand too.
- We have a squad full of winners! Look though any team England have put out in the last two years and you'll see that almost to a man they have winners medals on the mantelpiece - some of them hold medals from down under, others run out of fingers to count final appearances on and a lot can boast impressive individual honours as well.
- We only have to beat the Aussies once! We generally can beat them at least once in a series, but unfortunately this has often come early in series rather than when trophies are on the line. We might time it right this time.
- We're at home! Ok, we're playing a game in Cardiff and potentially (hopefully!!) a game in London but tickets are all reasonably priced and we have ages to save up and get them so lets get out and support the team. Try and make being at home an advantage. And don't just go to sit back and watch the world class players from the other side of the world, go to watch and cheer our own world class players on.
1. Sam Tomkins (Wigan Warriors - 1 SL, 1 CC)
2. Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos - 4 SL, 1 WCC)
3. Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos - 1 SL, 1 WCC)
4. Jack Reed (Brisbane Broncos)
5. Tom Briscoe (Hull FC)
6. Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos - 6 SL, 3 WCC)
7. Gareth Widdop (Melbourne Storm - 1 NRL)
8. Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
9. James Roby (St Helens - 1 SL, 3 CC, 1 WCC)
10. James Graham (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs - 1 SL, 3 CC, 1 WCC)
11. Gareth Ellis (Hull FC - 2 SL, 2 WCC)
12. Gareth Hock (Wigan Warriors)
13. Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan Warriors - 1 SL, 1 CC)
14. Adrian Morley (Warrington Wolves - 1 SL, 4 CC, 1 NRL, 1 WCC)
15. Luke Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs - 1 SL)
16. Ben Westwood (Warrington Wolves - 3 CC)
17. Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhinos - 6 SL, 3 CC)
18. Zak Hardaker (Leeds Rhinos - 2 SL)
19. Josh Charnley (Wigan Warriors - 1 CC)
20. Michael McIlorum (Wigan Warriors - 1 SL, 1 CC)
21. Chris Heighington (Cronulla Sharks - 1 NRL)
22. Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves - 1 CC)
23. Richie Myler (Warrington Wolves - 1 CC)
24. Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield Giants)
I accept I'm being optimistic and we need it all to fall into place perfectly, but I really don't think I'm being delusional. COME ON ENGLAND!!!
