Mark dreams of glory

‘DOZY’ PERCIVAL OUT TO IMPRESS

DAY-DREAMER Mark Percival is determined to have a clear head when he lines up for England today.

The St Helens centre has been overlooked for the opening two games of the World Cup.

And he knows he needs to make a massive impression if he is to keep his place for the quarter-finals.

But, whatever happens, Percival, 22, is certain of one thing – his team-mates will take the mickey out of him.

He said: “I am a quiet lad so they call me a bit dozy, always day-dreaming – it is just the way I am.

“They probably see me as a bit thick but I am not that thick, I am just chilling, that is me.”

Coach Wayne Bennett has preferred John Bateman and Ben Currie in the left centre spot in the opening two games, even though they are both forwards.

Bateman will again play there today against France in Perth, with Percival making his World Cup debut in the right centre spot.

But he insists he is happy to fit in with whatever Bennett wants and is keen to show him what he can do.

He said: “It is not really frustrating. He has picked a 24-man squad for a reason.

“I am enjoying it but I am buzzing to be selected this week. I cannot wait to play.

“I have been learning off the best coach in the world and trying to improve and now I’ve got the chance and will try to take it.”

Stefan Ratchford has also been asked to play out of his normal club position of full-back with Warrington in today’s game.

He will play on the wing, meaning he will have played five different positions in his four

England appearances. He said: “In my first game I came off the bench at full-back and played a bit of centre and loose forward.

“I played full-back in the Samoa game in the summer and last week I played full-back and had a little stint at hooker.

“It is something I enjoy. It’s a World Cup and it is about getting out there and being involved. I am happy to play wherever.” England will hand four players their World Cup debuts against France today – Percival, Scott Taylor, Mike McMeeken and Kev Brown.

It means all the squad will have played going into the quarter-finals and assistant coach Denis Betts (left) says places are still up for grabs. He said: “The lads before them have already put a game down but it does not mean these other lads cannot play better.”

England are now on course to play Tonga, rather than New Zealand in the semis, after their sensational

28-22 win over the Kiwis.

But Scotland have missed out on a last-eight spot in heartbreaking fashion after drawing with Samoa

14-14.

The Scots, who had sent three players home for being too drunk to board a plane, needed a win to go through.

But Hull KR half-back Danny

Addy missed a last-minute drop-goal, meaning Samoa go through on points difference.