League: Challenge of Tri-Nations exciting, says Noble

Brian Noble

Great Britain's players, massing in the Southern Hemisphere for the start of their Tri-Nations campaign in Christchurch on Saturday, know a lot more about what awaits them after the past two weekends.

Having seen Australia beat New Zealand 30-18 a week ago, the Lions gathered around the wide-screen television at their Manly base to see the late defeat for the Kiwis in Melbourne.

Within the mathematical logic of a three-cornered tournament, those are probably good results for Great Britain.

In theory, one win over New Zealand, in Christchurch or in Wellington two weeks later, could be enough to get them into the final. Not that there is much evidence to suggest it will be easy.

The first words of the coach, Brian Noble, when he arrived were recognition of the scale of the task ahead.

"They are two very physical, talented, good football teams," he said of the Kiwis and the Kangaroos. "We know we've got to play to our potential to get anywhere near, but we're excited by that."

The Kiwi coach, Brian McClennan, who guided his side to their memorable tournament victory in England last year, has predicted that they will improve match by match.

So far he is right, which means the Lions will have their hands full in Christchurch.

In between the two Australia-New Zealand matches, Great Britain got their own adventure off to a smooth enough start by winning their warm-up game against a Newcastle Division side 40-6 on Friday.

The opposition consisted of part-timers from the local competition in the New South Wales coal town, which does not sound too impressive from a British point of view until you remember the equivalent match seven years ago.

The first time a Tri-Nations was attempted in 1999, Great Britain just squeezed past the non-league amateurs of the Burleigh Bears by 10-6.

Great Britain appear to have come through a rough, physical encounter without significant injuries.

The side who play the Kiwis will be very different after the addition of players from the Super League grand final a week ago, including St Helens' Paul Wellens, Sean Long and Jon Wilkin, plus Gareth Raynor of Hull.

On top of that, Terry Newton should be fit and Adrian Morley will be clear of his suspension.

But Noble will have seen enough, even from a distance, to know that he needs to be as close to full strength as possible to get his Tri-Nations off to a winning start.

- INDEPENDENT