Morley raring to go

Morley: ready for French challenge

No one has been asked to double up for the clubs on the Sunday. Last year we played for England on the Friday and then had to play for our clubs on the Sunday.

Adrian Morley
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Adrian Morley spoke to Boots 'N' All ahead of England's game against France on Saturday.

England coach Tony Smith has named three uncapped players in his young 19-man squad with only six survivors from the World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand.

It was not the best World Cup for England, but Morley believes that they have the chance know to put that all behind them and mend their reputations.

"The World Cup was hugely disappointing to say the least," Morley told Boots 'N' All.

"But this is a fresh start for us, all the boys are desperate to get the England jersey on and get out there to show a bit of pride."

One of the reasons for that poor display at the World Cup has been blamed on England players playing too many games compared to their Australian and New Zealand counterparts. Morley believes that it could have been a factor but England coach Tony Smith was trying to rectify that.

"There are a few too many fixtures but the way this fixture works out has not put anyone at a great disadvantage," added Morley.

"No one has been asked to double up for the clubs on the Sunday. Last year we played for England on the Friday and then had to play for our clubs on the Sunday. This year it is not an extra game because we are missing a club game. Tony has done the right thing by picking a range of players from different clubs so no one club is disadvantaged. I think this is the way forward.

At 32 Morley is one of the elder statesmen in the squad and admits that there is an extra bit of pressure on him.

"Possibly there is with myself and Jamie Peacock being the older guys and the most experienced. It is up to us to lead the guys and show them the way - it is a role I am certainly going to enjoy having that little bit more responsibility.

"It is a chance for these youngsters to put a marker down. The only way to test players at an international level is to give them a chance and it is great that there are so many exciting youngsters in the squad. We are really looking forward to seeing them in action.

Morley also knows a bit about French coach Bobby Goulding and knows that if one man can get the French fired up it will be Goulding.

"I know him very well as a player and as a coach and he certainly does not lack anything in the passion department, added Morley.

"He will have the French boys fired up for this game and we will have a very tough opening ten minutes. We are full of confidence for this game but it is a bit of a tricky on. It is a game we are expected to win but we are concentrating on our performance. If we get that right then the result will come."