England stars hold Tri-Nations hope

England coach Paul Cullen believes the Tri-Nations Series will provide additional motivation for his players as they embark on the new Federation Shield.

Cullen's youthful England team, comprising what he expects will be the next crop of candidates for the Great Britain side, meet France in their opening match of rugby league's newest tournament at Headingley on Sunday.

"It's a main motivational point for many of the England players," he said. "We have lost a number of young England players who have been promoted to the full Great Britain side - Andy Coley was in our framework and so was Paul Wood, Ben Westwood and Stuart Reardon. They have all bought into the fact that they may go on a plane to the Tri-Nations. They want Great Britain honours and to play in the World Cup."

The 2008 World Cup in Australia will be a realistic target for many of the players on show at Leeds but Harlequins loose forward Rob Purdham admits they will have one eye on a potential SOS call from Australia.

"I don't want the boys out there to get injured but, if the opportunity arose, I'd love to take it," he said.

"That's what everyone strives for, to play for Great Britain against the Aussies and Kiwis.

"But, as a group of players, we also want to win the Shield for ourselves."