Cumbrian rugby ace Lee Mossop desperate to win England place back

Last updated at 11:55, Friday, 20 December 2013

Lee Mossop is determined to win back his England place next season – by impressing against Australia’s top talent on their own turf.

The Cumbrian missed out on England’s run to the World Cup semi-final after featuring off the bench in their opening defeat against eventual champs Australia. But he is looking to reach fresh heights next year when he switches to NRL outfit Parramatta Eels on a three-year deal.

“If anything, missing out has made me more hungry,” said the ex-Wigan prop, who flies to Australia next Friday for pre-season training.

“I wasn’t the easy option to drop, but Sam Burgess, James Graham, George and Tom Burgess all play in the NRL while I played in Super League.”

Mossop had been an England regular going in to the World Cup, so it was a shock to many that he was dropped by coach Steve McNamara, who is to stay on in the post.

“It’s the Four Nations next year and if I play some of my best rugby in the NRL, it will make it harder for him to do the same next year,” added the prop.

“England’s the pinnacle, and to get that close to the World Cup is frustrating for me, but it just makes you hungry for the next one.”

England were edged out in their semi against New Zealand thanks to a converted try in the closing seconds of the match, though Mossop took plenty of plusses from the tournament.

“Being in camp for six weeks, away from your family, was the frustrating part, but at the same time I was surrounded by top players, the best in the country in their positions,” he said. “On that side, it was positive.

“Though we got beat by New Zealand, everyone now realises how good a team we are. We should have been three or four tries ahead of them. We were that much better than them and take massive confidence from it.”

First published at 11:45, Friday, 20 December 2013

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22826506

Cumbrian rugby ace Lee Mossop desperate to win England place back