Watson warns Lions over last test

IAN Watson has pledged Great Britain will not underestimate Papua New Guinea as they look to end their fourmatch tour with a much-needed victory.

The Lions flew into Port Moresby from Brisbane on Tuesday and, after being feted on arrival at the airport, were whisked straight off to a press conference.

“The welcome at the airport was brilliant, it was a really good introduction to Papua New Guinea,” said the Salford boss, who is Wayne Bennett’s assistant with GB.

“We’re looking forward to meeting a few locals and getting out there and putting on a show on Saturday.”

The Lions are licking their wounds after three defeats from their first three games and face a challenge from both the conditions and a fired-up Kumuls side that pushed Fiji close in their Oceania Cup match last Saturday.

“They really play for the shirt so we need to be at our best this weekend, physically and mentally,” Watson said.

“The heat will test us because it’s not something we’re used to and they played really well against Fiji at the weekend. Papua New Guinea have got some really good players that we need to be aware of.”

Great Britain suffered a 20-18 defeat on their tour to Papua New Guinea in 1990 and prop Tom Burgess says the current tourists are aware of the dangers they face. “We know if we’re not on our game this weekend, we can get beat,” he said. “They have got a lot of quality players in their side - I know one of them very well, Alex Johnston, who plays with me at Souths and he’s top quality.”