UTILITY BELTER

Connor feels at home trying to prove he’s a Jake of all trades

although he is just happy to retain his place in the side having featured against the Kiwis and France already this year.

Connor said: “I didn’t used to get sick of being called a utility.

“But sometimes I guess it plays into some other players’ hands when they’re a natural centre and I’m a utility.

“Hopefully I’ll get one position nailed down and then just stick to that. I’m pretty much going for that No.6 shirt for next season.

“With the World Cup in a few years I’d like to stake a claim in that as well and play stand-off at club football and we’ll see what happens. But obviously, I’ll play anywhere – it’s up to the boss.

“I’ll just go and play how I play. I won’t give anything less.”

Connor was a part of the England side that beat New Zealand 36-18 in Denver back in June, but is expecting a more formidable challenge this time with former Golden Boot winner Shaun Johnson back in a team that edged out Australia earlier this month.

Connor added: “I watched that game and obviously Shaun Johnson played.

“He didn’t play against us in Denver and there was a few other key players missing as well.

“They’re a much better team with Shaun Johnson on the field – he guides them around and he’s a classy football player and he’ll be one to watch for them.

“But we’ll concentrate mainly on ourselves.

“We know what we’re capable of and how good we are, it’s just putting that into the game.”