Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ENGLAND NEW ZEALAND EXPECTATIONS ARE MILE-HIGH
Sam believes battle to play in Denver will be worthwhile for the sport
SAM BURGESS and his Australian-based England team-mates will find out tonight if their determination to face New Zealand in Denver was worth it.
Burgess and brother Tom (right), James Graham, Gareth Widdop and Elliott Whitehead will all line up for their country despite strong opposition from some NRL clubs over the staging of the groundbreaking clash.
England captain Sean O’loughlin spoke of his pride at their decision to publicly back the fixture under pressure – but the success of the game at Denver Broncos’ Mile High Stadium will be the ultimate test of its longterm future.
The NRL clubs have already expressed opposition to two further Tests being played in America at this time of year in 2019 and 2020 – but the game with the Kiwis today will go ahead.
Burgess said: “I think it’s been worth making a stand – but we’ll see for real after the game. The result is obviously the most important thing, but putting a good game on over here and showcasing what we believe to be the greatest game in the world on American soil is another task for us. “There’s always going to be people that doubt it, but it’s been a success so far. “Walking around the streets of Denver, people are genuinely talking about it. “I guess the big test will be the fans who come through the door – I had a look at the ticket prices online so we’ll see how many turn up.
“Denver is a huge sporting city and there seems to be a buzz about it in town. Hopefully we do the game justice.
“Let’s see come Saturday night how successful it’s been.”
Burgess and winger Ryan Hall spent time hitting balls with the Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball team this week, but tonight their focus will be on a New Zealand side looking to restore lost pride.
The Kiwis were dumped out of the World Cup at the quarterfinal stage by Fiji last year, having also lost to Tonga in the group, but are now led by former Wigan coach Michael Maguire.
England meanwhile are looking to build on their narrow 6-0 final defeat by Australia.
Burgess added: “I think there’s a bit more respect there, but we didn’t get the job done and Australia have still got the rub over us.
“That’s why we’re fully committed to the long run.
“We’ve looked at the final, moved forward and there’s an understanding we need to get better.”