JODIE: I’LL NEVER BE WIZARD OF OZ NOW

Women’s international, KO 2pm

BY DAVE CRAVEN ENGLAND’S new captain Jodie Cunningham had “conversations” about an NRLW switch but her only focus remains on leading St Helens and her country.

The talismanic loose forward, 31, skippers the national side for the first time today when they face France at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium.

It is their first game since the World Cup semi-final exit against New Zealand in York last November.

Since then, top England players St Helens’ Hollie-Mae Dodd (Canberra) and Leeds’ Georgia Roche (Newcastle) have secured full-time deals in Australia.

Leeds’ Fran Goldthorp is also expected to soon confirm a move to North Queensland Cowboys to become only England’s third fully professional player.

Cunningham (right) revealed she had discussed the prospect herself.

“There’s been some conversations,” she said. “I’m sure it’s the same with many of the girls. I’m sure it’s a different conversation when you’re older, have jobs and are settled. I’m not going. Maybe a few years ago it would have been different.

“But my focus now is making sure I do a good job for St Helens and England.

“I completely back the girls who have decided to go out there as it is such a great opportunity and I know they’ll kill it.

“And I’ll be hugely proud to captain England for the first time in my home town. It’ll be special.”

England also have a new coach with Stuart Barrow replacing Craig Richards.

He installed Cunningham as captain, replacing her Saints team-mate Emily Rudge, who had been skipper for four years, but she retains her place in the side.