Graham Lowe: Grabbing the mental edge

Many big games are won or lost before the ball is kicked off because the players are not mentally ready for the challenge.

Players at this level do not need coaching. They need to be given a reason why they should win and also how to do it.

Then comes maybe the most important bit of all: the players need to believe in the coach.

Never mind all the PC rubbish about the need to be a technical coach.

Any decent coach can identify players' shortfalls and can also construct an effective game plan.

The good coaches need to be able to deliver a message that is so strong the players will search into their hearts and find something they never knew they had.

Some call it pride, others call it determination. It's got nothing to do with winning or losing, it's all about giving everything you have to offer your team as an individual and your teammates doing the same for you.

Without that ethic, if you win it's a fluke. With that ethic you are giving your team every chance of success.

Quite simply you are giving 100 per cent. But giving 100 per cent does not guarantee a win. It only guarantees an equal start with your opposition because surely they are going to give their 100 per cent.

So there are many factors to consider in this Four Nations Tournament. On paper it is hard to deny Australia look the best.

But maybe the all-important and immeasurable spirit that delivered the Kiwis the World Cup last year has deserted both England and Australia.

League is a game that is admired for its skill and speed. However, the Kiwis have the chance to remind us that intimidation, toughness and venom are as important as skill in test football.