We’re ready to face Roos
JAMES GRAHAM and his England team-mates want to take a giant step into the unknown today – and record a first win against Australia in over a decade.
The national side have not beaten the Kangaroos since Great Britain toppled them in Sydney in 2006 – and none of that team will line up today.
In theory, a draw is good enough to progress to next Sunday’s Four Nations final at Anfield, following Scotland’s stunning 18-18 draw with New Zealand on Friday.
But this England side is desperate to end 10 years of hurt that has meant the likes of Graham and record try-scorerr Ryan Hall have never beaten the Kangaroos.
Graham (right) said: “There aren’t many happy memories of playing Australia to be honest – you only have to look back at some recent results to see that.
“But, hopefully, I’ll be a part of a team that amends that.
“Those games have gone now, they have nothing to do with this week.
“I want to be part of a winning team – that’s what you work so hard from right from pre-season.
“Australia are a class team, but we’re a good team, too.
“When good teams come up against each other there has to be a winner and loser, and we’ll be doing our best come Sunday to be on the right side of it. It’s a big weekend for rugby league and, hopefully, we can do English rugby league proud.”
Canterbury prop Graham knows all about the steely Australian mentality having played in the NRL for the last five years – and being among the best forwards in the competition.
He missed last week’s scratchy win over Scotland with a knee injury, but returns today as Wayne Bennett’s side also go in pursuit of a first major tournament win since 1972.
With the match being held at the London Stadium and live on terrestrial televis television, Graham kno knows that the st stage could hardly be bigger for England to make history.
He added: “A “Any time you play for your country it’s very special, and when you add Australia into that there’s a lot of history.
“It is exciting, because it’s a long time since England have beaten them, which brings some added pressure but that’s good.
“This group is really excited about the prospect of what lies ahead.
“Australia are a class team aren’t they?
“Their performances this year have reflected that – from the win over New Zealand in Perth to the one last week.
“They’ve shown a tremendous amount of skill and courage to get those wins, but we are confident that we can get a result.”