Lockyer backs England

Aussie skipper backs England to improve in World Cup

Last updated: 13th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Lockyer backs England

Lockyer: England backing

I think with their best players playing in the same positions for 80 minutes, I think they might be a little bit harder to beat.

Darren Lockyer
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Australian captain Darren Lockyer offered his backing to England's embattled World Cup squad, claiming that they are still a threat in the tournament despite their abject failure so far.

Tony Smith's England side have struggled throughout the competition in Australia, with a slender win over papa New Guinea followed by a mauling by the Kangaroos and sickening loss against New Zealand.

Although England have now been thoroughly written off in the tournament, Lockyer insists they could still be a threat.

England take on New Zealand on Saturday in the semi-finals, with Australia tackling Fiji on Sunday, and Lockyer has warned the Kiwis not to underestimate the English.

"There's a lot of talk about the way England faded last week but their start was great and they've got a couple of guys that they rested," Lockyer said.

"They'll be back.

Coach

"I do think the coach of England played around with some positions in the second half and they looked a bit unsettled.

"I don't think it was a great indication of where England's at.

"I think with their best players playing in the same positions for 80 minutes, I think they might be a little bit harder to beat."

Lockyer also backed the World Cup system, which enabled England to make the semi-finals despite losing two of their three group games.

"Going into the tournament, I think the top three nations deserved to have a few privileges," he said.

"I think it's been great, these other pools, where they've been very competitive and someone like Fiji has had a chance. They're in a semi-final and a chance of being in the final of the World Cup.

"I think that's great for rugby league and Fiji.

"England have been in the top three for a long time now so they deserve (to be) where they are at the moment."

Player raid

Lockyer is expected to be one of the top Australian stars targeted by Super League clubs, with representatives travelling Down Under for the World Cup finale.

With a reduction in overseas players coming in, Super League clubs are aiming higher in their bids to sign players from the NRL.

Lockyer is thought to be a target for Wigan, while Brisbane full-back Karmichael Hunt and Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah are also in line for big-money offers.

Player agent David Riolo confirmed the British interest in Australia's top talent.

"I've had four or five meetings and they definitely seemed to have turned their attention to quality," Riolo told the Sydney Telegraph.

"The names mentioned to me were top players like Lockyer, (Johnathan) Thurston, (Scott) Prince and Hunt.

"They are looking to go bigger than ever because of the reduced quotas for Australian players.

"If every UK club does that, then it's a dangerous thing for the NRL."