 Waite is refusing to be fooled by old foe Anderson |
Great Britain coach David Waite has accused his Australian counterpart Chris Anderson of playing mind games ahead of next month's Ashes Series.
Anderson said the Lions should fancy their chances of beating the world champions after naming an injury-ravaged squad for the Think! Road Safety Test Series.
Andrew Johns, Gorden Tallis, Trent Barrett and Matt Gidley are all missing from the Kangaroos' 23-man squad, which includes seven uncapped players and just four survivors from the 2001 Ashes Series.
But Waite dismissed Anderson's comments as hype and insists Australia will be "red-hot favourites".
"It's nice that Chris is encouraging the British supporters to think they may be a chance but my four years over here now say that people think that every time," said the Great Britain head coach.
 |  I have always felt Great Britain would have a strong side if they ever got all their players fit |
The 2003 Kangaroos includes 10 players from the two NRL Grand Finalists, including shock selection Trent Waterhouse, the Penrith Panthers prop.
The other uncapped players are Phil Bailey, Joel Clinton, Michael Crocker, Michael De Vere, Luke Lewis and Richard Villasanti.
Waite is expecting the Australians to be particularly powerful up front, where they have a wealth of experience in the shape of Shane Webcke, Robbie Kearns and Petero Civoniceva.
"They're very strong in the front row," said Waite. "The crowds over here will like Willie Mason but he's got to get in the side. They also have a very athletic back row."
 Darren Lockyer will lead Australia's new-look side |
Britain should be at full strength for the first time for many years. "I have always felt Great Britain would have a strong side if they ever got all their players fit," said Anderson.
"Sean Long has never played against us and Keiron Cunningham has only been in the team once.
"When they look at our squad, they will definitely think they have a chance this time."
Britain's biggest concern is that of captain Andrew Farrell, who is defying a knee injury to lead Wigan's bid for the Super League crown.
Australia squad: Darren Lockyer (captain), Robbie Kearns, Matt Sing, Anthony Minichiello, Luke Lewis, Michael De Vere, Shannon Hegarty, Ryan Girdler, Craig Wing, Craig Gower, Brett Kimmorley, Phil Bailey, Joel Clinton, Danny Buderus, Luke Ricketson, Craig Fitzgibbon, Michael Crocker, Petero Civoniceva, Steve Simpson, Shane Webcke, Willie Mason, Richard Villasanti, Trent Waterhouse.
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