POMS WANT TO BRING THE BIFF
Former England enforcer says fireworks on cards in Cup opener
FORMER British firebrand Adrian Morley believes the absence of the one- punch send- off rule used in the NRL could cause Friday night’s World Cup opener between England and Australia to erupt.
“If it overheats, that’s all part and parcel of Test match rugby league,” said Morley, who was sent off after a high shot on Australia’s Robbie Kearns in the first tackle of a 2003 Test. “I’m not an advocate of it — nor am I encouraging it — but I wouldn’t dislike it, either.”
Morley said the underdog English side would fire up in a clash that no one expected them to win.
“And there’s no bigger rivalry in rugby league than Australia and England. There will be a lot of firedup boys,” he said. “It’s no good England competing well and being good sports. We need the victory.”
FORMER British and Sydney Roosters firebrand Adrian Morley believes the absence of the one- punch send- off rule could cause Friday night’s World Cup opener between Australia and England to erupt.
“If it goes beyond and above the laws of the sport, then so be it,” Morley said.
The one- punch send- off rule used in the NRL will not be employed throughout the World Cup because international rules are in place.
He said that meant a return of the biff was on the cards.
“If it overheats, that’s all part and parcel of Test match rugby league. You’re getting me excited talking about stuff like this,” said Morley, who was sent off after a high shot on Australia’s Robbie Kearns in the first tackle of a 2003 Test in Wigan.
“I’m not saying a flare- up is to be expected but it won’t be a huge surprise if it does happen.
“I’m not an advocate of it – nor am I encouraging it – but I wouldn’t dislike it, either.”
The Kangaroos are still filthy that English forward Sam Burgess landed an unprovoked punch on Australia’s David Klemmer in last November’s Four Nations final in England.
Under international rules, Burgess stayed on the field.
“When you hear the national anthem, when you wear the badge of England, you’re a very, very proud person,” said Morley, who represented the Roosters between 2001 and 2006, playing 114 games and winning the 2002 grand final with the club.
“The hairs on the back of your neck stand up. When you line up and look at your op- ponent, you say: ‘ I’m not going to take a backward step’. You want to go and do your best for the Queen and your country. “And there’s no bigger rivalry in rugby league than Australia and England. There will be a lot of fired- up boys.
“It’s no good England competing well and being good sports. We need the victory.
“No one will give England a chance. Everyone is saying it’s all going to be one- way traffic. But I think the boys will stand up and have something to say about that.”
England will send out a physical and potent forward pack, led by NRL stars Burgess, James Graham and Josh Hodgson. They will fight fire with fire against Australia in Melbourne and Morley believes England have an edge through the middle because of superior power.
“If you look at England’s pack, that’s their strength,” he said.
“If they play to their strengths, get the bounce of the ball and get some ref’s calls, they could get the win.
“There could be an upset but it will take England’s senior players to really stand up and have big games.
“It will take a huge performance for England to win but it’s achievable. If you look at the history of the World Cup, England have always played well in their opening game.
“It’s still in Australia’s backyard but I genuinely think if we get a bit of luck then we can get the win.”