Jake ready to rile Kiwis

ENGLAND’S Jekyll and Hyde hopes New Zealand will feel the full force of his split personality today.

Jake Connor is so quiet that England boss Wayne Bennett refers to him as “an understated guy who doesn’t say much”.

But on the field the Hull star turns into a snarling, wind-up merchant who thrives on getting under opponents’ skins. It is a tactic that works so well that several teams have lost their way against Hull this season because of Connor’s antics.

And the utility star admits he will be the same in the first Test today in front of his home crowd. “I’m laid-back and chilled out but everyone knows what I’m like on the field,” he said. “Once I cross that white line something comes out of me that is sometimes out of control.”

Connor made a stunning England debut off the bench in the mid-season win over the Kiwis in Denver and also starred in the halves against France last week. But playing in front of the Hull fans is even more special for the 24-year-old, who starts in the centres.

He said: “It’s spine-tingling playing for your country. It’s one of the best things you can do in the sport. I can’t wait. It’s a massive occasion and what better place to start at three-Test series than the KCOM.”

Wigan’s Grand Final-winning star Oliver Gildart, who was a late call-up to the squad, will make his debut alongside Connor in the centres. He said: “As a young kid growing up this was a massive dream of mine. It’s a huge honour.”

New Zealand’s Michael Maguire, meanwhile, plans to beat England at their own game.

The former Wigan boss was handed the New Zealand job after the Kiwis suffered a disastrous World Cup last year. He has brought in several new young stars and said: “I’m a big believer in youth. You give a young man an opportunity and they keep performing, they can stay there for a long period of time.

“It’s something Australia have had and the England team have now, a lot of players who have played a lot of football together.”

ENGLAND: Substitutes: NEW ZEALAND: