BBC Sportrugbyleague

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 15:19 GMT, Wednesday, 6 October 2010 16:19 UK

Captain Adrian Morley talks up England's chances

Adiran Morley
Morley was a member of the England squad at the Four Nations in 2009

England captain Adrian Morley believes he can lead his side to Four Nations success in Australia and New Zealand.

Warrington skipper Morley, 33, was part of the England side that reached the final last November, only to be beaten 46-16 by Australia at Elland Road.

But he told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I think there is a new attitude creeping into the camp over the last 18 months.

"England have emerged with a new vigour and a new belief. We got to the final a year ago and we need to go one better."

England have three players in their squad, Gareth Widdop (Melbourne), Sam Burgess (South Sydney), and Gareth Ellis (Wests Tigers), who ply their trade in the NRL in Australia.

And Morley, who himself spent six seasons playing down under with Sydney Roosters between from 2001 to 2006, suggests that experiences of playing down under is a massive bonus.

"The boys based in Australia have been going well," said Morley, handed the captaincy on Monday by coach Steve McNamara, in the absence of the injured Jamie Peacock.

"That has given the rest of the squad the confidence that we can take on the Aussies and the Kiwis and get the wins.

"I thought we were very close last year, but we dropped off in the last 20 minutes.

"The mood in the camp's been great so there is no reason why we can't go all the way."

The tour party head off this Friday (8 October) and will face New Zealand (Wellington, 23 October), Australia (Melbourne, 31 October) and Papua New Guinea (Auckland, 6 November), before heading home after the final in Brisbane on 13 November.

"We've got a great squad," insists Morley. "And we're not just going there to make up the numbers.

"We realise it's not going to be easy. We're taking on the world champions and the reigning Four Nations champions in their own back yard.

"But we're going out there confident. And we're going to give it a shot."



Print Sponsor


see also
Atkins says England will thrive
05 Oct 10 |  Warrington
England name Four Nations squad
04 Oct 10 |  Rugby League


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites