Fire yet again

since 1995.

Fred said: “Huddersfield have made it clear that Jerry is happy and settled in West Yorkshire, which I am sure he is.

“But rather like in the round ball game, when Real Madrid come knocking it is hard to resist and it should be no surprise to anyone that the top Aussie teams reportedly have him on their radar.

“It was telling that his Giants coach Rick Stone, while predictably knocking back the speculation about a possible move Down Under, did concede that Jerry was at ‘an interesting stage of his career.’”

Also having an interesting (and enjoyable) time is Warrington’s Kevin Brown, the former Giants skipper, who is showing his class on the international stage after a disappointing debut season for the Wire.

Brown is typically forthright ahead of the final, stressing that England need to concentrate for all 80 minutes.

“He’s spot-on there, for I was like league lovers everywhere when hiding behind the couch as England conceded three converted tries in six minutes as Tonga fought back brilliantly in the semi to almost snatch victory against Wayne Bennett’s sleepwalkers,” added Fred.

“Brown rightly recognises England are the underdogs, taking on the seemingly unstoppable Aussies in their own backyard, but remember anything can happen in a one-off final – and we could do with a bit of revenge after the way the cocky Aussies knocked us off our perch in the opening test of the Ashes cricket series.”

Betfred have England 11/2 to win the final with Australia – remember they did beat us 18-4 in the opening match of the competition – available at 1/8.

Fred added: “England have yet to put in a complete barnstorming performance and this is their moment to taste real glory, a chance to become legends of the game, enhancing their reputations by beating the odds and bringing home the trophy.”