McNamara, who was appointed England coach in 2010, said on Wednesday only that
he was “not sure at all about my future†adding that he had “lots to
consider.â€
Meanwhile, finalists Australia and New Zealand are both hopeful that they will
have their key injury concerns fit enough for the showdown at Old Trafford
on Saturday.
Australia full-back Billy Slater missed their semi-final with a knee injury
but trained well on Wednesday and could be included in the 19-man squad for
the final that will be announced on Thursday afternoon.
Coach Tim Sheens said: “I am never confident about these things but what I saw
today at least gives us some hope that he will be available. He is improving
every day. He has been having 24/7 treatment with two physios working very
well with him. Billy has worked very hard individually, giving himself every
chance. But from a coach’s point of view, I always plan for the worst
possible scenario.â€
That “worst case†would be many coaches’ dream scenario, because if Slater
fails a fitness centre Greg Inglis will move to full-back – the position he
was named in on Wednesday night in the International Federation’s Team of
the Year. Inglis was also a runner-up to New Zealand’s Sonny Bill Williams,
along with Scotland captain Danny Brough, for the main award category,
International Player of the Year.
New Zealand’s injury worries have eased with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Frank-Paul
Nu’uausala and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves coming through training with no
adverse reaction to knocks on Wednesday. But they still have concern over
winger Manu Vatuvei (groin) and forward Frank Pritchard (hamstring).
The International Federation awards night in Manchester also saw England prop
George Burgess named Rookie of the Year. Older brother Sam was the only
other England player to be recognised, being named at prop in the
International Team of the Year.
Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24976534
Rugby League World Cup 2013: England coach Steve McNamara wanted by ...
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