By Paul Fletcher

Rooney snatches the dramatic winning try against GB

To English sports fans, Rooney usually means Wayne.

In Australia it is Luke who is grabbing all the headlines.

As Great Britain and the Kangaroos prepare to meet once again on Saturday, GB fans must be hoping Rooney finally fails to score in a Test.

In his three outings so far in the Green and Gold, Rooney has crashed over the whitewash five times.

The winger's try with 33 seconds left against the Lions ensured yet another sensational late win for Australia in their first Tri-Nations match against GB.

Earlier in the game, he scored the try that brought the scores level and scored three in the Kangaroos' two contests against New Zealand.

His points-scoring exploits are a major reason why the Kangaroos have already qualified for the Tri-Nations final.

The Penrith Panthers flyer is an old-fashioned winger in the British style - a clinical finisher from short range, a player who always seems to find the corner.

I am loving it - the boys have been really good and it is great going around with so many players I look up to Luke Rooney

His winning try against GB was a typical example, picking the ball up 20 yards from the line and touching down before full-back Paul Wellens could bundle him into touch.

"It was just great to score the winning try," Rooney told BBC Sport. "Especially with the game being that tight to cross the line was great.

"Willie Tonga can always create a gap and I was just lucky enough that it came to me and my leg didn't go out of touch."

The Australian left side has been particularly dangerous for opposition teams during the Tri-Nations, with Rooney outside powerful centre Tonga and full-back Anthony Minichiello often joining the line to create an overlap.

Wily Kangaroos coach Wayne Bennett has admitted that Rooney is much better than he thought when originally selecting the player.

"He does everything right for a winger and Australia hasn't always had that," said Bennett.

"We've had great athletes but their ability to finish has not always been there.

"He's an absolute pure finisher. That last try was a remarkable effort."

Success seems to come easily for the modest winger, who made his first grade debut while still at school and with Wendell Sailor facing him.

Rooney played in the 2003 NRL Grand Final

Rooney scored two tries in the 2003 NRL Grand Final for Penrith and made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales the following season.

But as Australia prepare for their final match before the Tri-Nations final, Rooney claims he is still adjusting to being surrounded by so many of his idols.

"When I was a little kid I always wanted to play for my country and it is just a dream to be here," he said.

"I was happy just to get one game but to score five tries in three Tests, I just have to pinch myself.

"I am loving it - the boys have been really good and it is great going around with so many players I look up to."

The Australians enjoyed a week off after their victory over GB in Manchester but Rooney and the rest of the squad are preparing for another bruising encounter.

"The first win was great as well but the match on Saturday is going to be even tougher," he said.

If Rooney has his way, it could be yet another night of heartbreak for the Lions.