Widdop hails Bennett effect before Kiwi Test

Gareth Widdop believes the continuity established under england coach Wayne Bennett will pay dividends, starting with tonight’s mid- season test against New Zealand in Colorado.

the 29-year-old has been a mainstay of the england team since he was chosen to make his debut by Steve McNamara in June 2010.

the stand- off, who will win his 28th cap at denver’s Mile high Stadium, was in the team that lost 6-0 to australia in the 2017 World Cup final and england’s squad includes 11 others who took part in that defeat last december.

‘Since Wayne took over, it’s probably one of the closest groups i’ve ever been part of,’ said Widdop (below). ‘it feels like almost a club team. We enjoy each other’s company, which is great.’

Widdop says the importance of the ground-breaking international in the United States cannot be overstated ahead of the home autumn test series against New Zealand.

‘For us to be away with our country is really important, otherwise we don’t get together until the end of the year,’ he said. South Sydney prop tom Burgess says the test is an opportunity to spread rugby league ahead of the 2025 World Cup, due to be held in the United States, and has sensed the excitement building ahead of the game. ‘it’s going to be awesome,’ he said. ‘i don’t think anyone has played at an NFL stadium before.’ hull utility back Jake Connor and St helens threequarter tommy Makinson are the new caps who have been rewarded for their outstanding form for their clubs. New Zealand coach Michael Maguire has seven uncapped players in his squad, including Ken Maumalo, esan Marsters and Jamayne isaako in the threequarter line. ENGLAND (from): Bateman, S Burgess, T Burgess, Connor, Graham, Hall, Hill, Lomax, Makinson, McGillvary, O’Loughlin, Percival, Ratchford, Roby, Taylor, Widdop, Whitehead. TV: LIVE on BBC 2, 9pm. Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live. Kick-off: 9.10pm.