Settled England big threat

A SETTLED England line-up threatens to be Australia’s biggest obstacle in Friday’s Rugby League World Cup opener, says Kangaroos star Matt Gillett.

Australian coach Mal Meninga will make at least six changes from the side that beat New Zealand in the mid-year Test, including the hotly contested five-eighth spot.

In contrast, counterpart Wayne Bennett could today name 15 of the 17 players who crushed Samoa by 20 points in May.

Gillett, who plays under Bennett at Brisbane in the NRL, noted just how close a list his club coach picked to the one Australia beat in last year’s Four Nations.

“He’s got a plan in place. He picked a similar squad to what he had in the Four Nations,” Gillett said on day two of camp in Melbourne yesterday.

“Obviously he wants to keep those players together, form some combinations and make sure they bond well.

“They’re going to be pretty hard to beat.”

The Kangaroos had a weights session at Punt Road Oval, home of AFL premier Richmond, yesterday before hitting the training paddock today.

Meninga will then unveil his 17-man line-up, which is expected to include the return of Billy Slater in a new-look spine.

Michael Morgan, Cameron Munster and James Maloney are vying for the No.6 role, while several forward spots are open on the bench.

Gillett said it was important that those who miss out on selection stay positive and focused on their goal of being in the final in December.

“It’s a big one but whoever he chooses, the one that misses out is not going to be disappointed,” Gillett said.

“It’s what’s best for the team and all the boys here understand that, whether it’s myself not playing or whatever.”

Gillett said the 34-year-old Slater deserved to reclaim a green-and-gold jumper he hadn’t worn in three years with a chronic shoulder injury.

“He’s done a lot this year from where he’s been with his injuries, so for Bill to be back on a personal level, he’d be pretty proud of what he’s done throughout this whole year,” Gillett said.