2014 Four Nations: 'We'll respect Samoa' says England coach Steve McNamara

Steve McNamara says England will give Samoa ‘the respect they deserve’ when the teams open the Four Nations tournament in Brisbane on Saturday.

Debutants Samoa booked their spot in the competition by beating Fiji in a qualifying match back in May.

And only 12 months ago the Pacific Islanders suffered a 52-16 hammering at the hands of the England Knights at Salford.

However, coach McNamara is not taking this weekend’s opponents lightly, by saying: "I think it's only the press that are saying Samoa are the underdogs.

"We fully understand the quality of personnel in their group. Their players have been involved in finals and Grand Finals, they are a very talented team.

I think it's only the press that are saying Samoa are the underdogs.

"They've got an ability to break tackles and run over teams so, defensively, we are going to have a real challenge on our hands."

And England’s James Graham agrees with McNamara, by adding: "If you look at their team, they are more than capable of winning each game in this tournament.

"They have a very strong pack and clinical finishers on the edges and they have a couple of decent halves, too, so we will have to be on our game.

Tough game

"I can't emphasise too much how tough this game will be."

England have lost Sam Burgess, Ben Westwood, Kevin Sinfield and James Roby from the team that lost to New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final at Wembley last November.

Gareth Widdop will make only his fourth start alongside the uncapped Matty Smith but the coach has no reservations about the rookie partners who are room-mates on the tour.

And McNamara went on: "I've no concerns whatsoever with them. They look at ease with each other and have practised very well.

“Although it's Matty's debut, he's played in some huge games, Challenge Cup finals and Grand Finals etc.

"They've struck up very good friendship and a great understanding on the field. They are both direct players, they like to attack the opposition and they've both got really good kicking games.

"They've got a couple of new hookers to work with and I think we are all excited by the prospects of them playing as well."