Smith: England an improving side

Cameron Smith
12 April 2012

Australia hooker Cameron Smith has mounted a stout defence of Super League in the build-up to this weekend's Four Nations duel with England.

England need a victory on Sunday to stay alive in the tournament after losing their opening match against the Kiwis, but an unforgiving Australian media have been quick to remind them of their 52-4 humiliation at the hands of the Kangaroos on their last visit to Melbourne two years ago.

"I think Super League is getting stronger every year, there is no doubt about that," said the Melbourne Storm skipper, who was man of the match in his side's 18-10 victory over Leeds in the World Club Challenge earlier this year."

Speaking to reporters at a promotional event in Melbourne's city centre on Tuesday, Smith claimed international rugby league was alive and well and insisted the Kangaroos will not be taking England lightly at AAMI Park.

"The coaching's getting better and I think the junior development is getting better," said Smith. "They've got players that are coming out to the NRL now and playing really good football.

"I think at times they've found it hard to transfer it to Test level, but to beat a Kiwis side and get into the final last year they did a good job, and in the 2006 Tri Nations we were beaten by the Pommies at the SFS (Sydney Football Stadium).

"It hasn't always been one-way traffic. They've got good players and they're a good side when they play well. It's just about getting that consistency I think. Australia is not way out in front like they used to be. The Kiwis are certainly a lot better and the English are getting closer too."

Smith has been impressed by the impact made in the NRL by England forwards Sam Burgess and Gareth Ellis, who he pinpoints as the biggest dangers to his side on Sunday.

"They're very good," he said. "Gareth has been in the competition two years and done a great job while Sam has made the highlights this year with his big hits and his runs."

"They're two key players for the English side, there is no doubt about that. If they've got their tails up and they're playing good football, then usually the whole side plays well."

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