Benny’s whipping England into shape

ONE of Wayne Bennett’s biggest NRL success stories says the mastercoach will instil England with a discipline to crack the Four Nations code.

Ahead of the start of the quadrangular tournament, Broncos great and Cairns junior Justin Hodges has backed the Poms to end decades of rugby league heartbreak thanks to Bennett’s influence.

While England’s decision to appoint an Australian has caused angst in the proud nation, Hodges backs his longtime mentor to work his charm on the Kangaroos’ great rivals.

“I know one thing he will bring is discipline,” Hodges said.

“England will be a lot more disciplined and their defence will be better.

“England have world-class players and many play in the NRL as well.

“Wayne’s only there for a short time but if one person can bring the best out of players it’s Wayne.

“We haven’t seen England perform very well for a long period of time against Australia and New Zealand.

“It will be good for England and good for the game.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Adam Blair reckons Bennett does not even know the name of the entire English squad yet.

But that won’t stop his Brisbane Broncos mentor from making an immediate impact with his adopted country.

Blair and his New Zealand side will clash with England tomorrow morning for the first time since Bennett took over as coach in their opening match of the Four Nations.

“He wouldn’t even know half the team’s names,” Blair said. “That would be pretty funny listening to him try to pick out someone’s name. That’s Wayne.

“He is a great guy. I don’t think slipping up someone’s name is going to cause too much (worry).”

Blair said Bennett’s influence was already evident in England’s pre-tournament 40-6 win against France.