Aussies do their homework

Skipper admits young half-backs will be a threat

Last updated: 13th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Aussies do their homework

Eastmond: Threat

We're fully aware of what they're capable of doing. They're playing good footie.

Lockyer on Eastmond and Tomkins
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Australia captain Darren Lockyer admits the Kangaroos have done their homework on England's young half-back pairing of Sam Tomkins and Kyle Eastmond.

The duo have sprung from relative obscurity to form the fulcrum of attacking flair in Brian Noble's unchanged side for the Gillette Four Nations Final at Elland Road on Saturday.

Eastmond made his debut off the bench in the 26-16 defeat to the Aussies at Wigan two weeks ago but impressed in last week's victory over New Zealand after teaming up with Tomkins from the start.

Australia's Johnathan Thurston caused a stir recently by claiming not to have heard of the talented St Helens half-back, although Lockyer quickly put that notion to bed.

"I think Johnathan regrets that comment but, when we came over here, to be honest there were a lot of names in the squad we didn't know a lot about," said Lockyer.

"The two halves were new faces to us. But after the Wigan game, we're fully aware of what they're capable of doing. They're playing good footie.

"They're unpredictable and, playing behind a big forward pack, I'm sure those guys will be looking at the half opportunites and trying to make the most of them. They are two guys we've done some homework on this week."

Eastmond admitted he had not been insulted by the comment as the incident was swiftly diffused.

"That's fine because I don't expect him to know who I am," said Eastmond. "It's been quite a quick rise from not playing at St Helens to starting for your country.

"I've got all the respect in the world for a player of his calibre. He's an outstanding player and it's going to be great to play against him this week."