Australia's Sam Thaiday awake to task of facing Wayne Bennett's England

Brisbane Broncos forward Sam Thaiday believes his club coach Wayne Bennett can inspire the England players - as long as they stay awake in his team briefing.

The veteran second-row forward has acquired a reputation of being a joker and showed his sense of humour as he prepared to face his dour club boss for the first time at international level.

Thaiday and full-back Darius Boyd were in the Broncos team that Bennett guided to six premiership titles and both feel he can have a big effect in his new role with England, who need to beat Australia at the London Stadium on Sunday to have a chance of reaching the Four Nations final at Anfield a week later.

Boyd has never faced Bennett, having followed him to St George Illawarra and Newcastle during his spells away from Brisbane in the NRL, and coming up against him for Australia will be a first for Thaiday.

"I've done it before at club level but it will feel a little bit funny and weird at international level," Thaiday said. "We'll see what changes he's brought to that English team. I'm sure they're going to be fairly competitive.

"They'll be disappointed with the start they made against Scotland but I'm sure he'll be whipping them this week and getting them ready for a big game against us.

"If they can stay awake in the team meeting I'm sure he'll inspire the boys."

Thaiday, 31, is hoping to overcome a knee injury in time to win his 33rd cap on Sunday and does not mind if it once more comes from the bench.

"I've given myself the title of utility with ability," he quipped. "I'll just keep running with that.

"My knee's a bit stiff. I've just hurt the fat, there's plenty of fat. I'll be right. It means I'll have to run straight, no stepping any more."

Boyd, meanwhile, will be aiming to preserve a 100 per cent record for his country when he goes up against Bennett's England.

In 20 appearances in the green and gold going back to 2008, Boyd has yet to finish on the losing side but he admits Bennett's appointment will improve England's chances of wrecking that perfect record.

"England have always been dangerous but I think Wayne adds a little bit more to them," Boyd said.

"It's probably going to take time, it won't happen overnight, but the more games they get under their belt and the more they get to know the way Wayne wants to play, the better they will be."

Boyd admits he probably knows as much about Bennett's tactics as anyone playing the game and is hoping he can put that to good use for his team.

"Maybe a little bit," he said. "I think I know how Wayne likes to play these teams, it's about defence and being in control and staying in the contest.

"I wouldn't expect him to do many trick plays and tricky things but you never know I guess.

"I just think he'll play it the way he always tries to play a team, which is to complete your sets, defend well and hold them in the grind.

"If you can keep a team down to a low score you can always sneak a try or two and come home with the win. I'm sure that's what he'll be telling his blokes."

England's Robert Hicks has been confirmed as referee for the match, with NRL referee Ben Cummins in charge of Friday's game between New Zealand and Scotland at Derwent Park in Workington.