England expecting physical battle against Australian Schoolboys

England Academy coach Richard Marshall knows that his team must be able to cope with their opponents’ physical power, if they are to beat the Australian Schoolboys on Saturday.

The Australian team head into the game at Leigh Sports Village with a 10 percent record from their three games on tour so far.

They have beaten the England Regional Academies team, Wigan Warriors Academy and Leeds Rhinos Academy, and have looked impressive in doing so.

“I attended the Wigan and Leeds games. They were very lively and I thought the home sides made a good fist of it,” said Marshall.

“Australia are a big, powerful side. This is something we are going to have to match on Saturday.

“We will be keeping an eye on what they might throw at us down the middle. They also have some dangerous players in the outside backs that will need taking care of too.

“It’s important that we defend strongly. If they want to score then we’re going to make it very difficult for them.”

The spirit in the England camp is good, though, and Marshall feels plenty of his team can go on to play at the highest level.

“The mood in camp is fantastic and we are starting to build on each other’s trust and honesty as the days go on,” said Marshall.

“There is a natural pathway for these players to progress on to the England Knights, then the Elite Training Squad and then hopefully make their debut for the England senior team. This path has been trodden and proven.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge against the Australian Schoolboys and I think it’ll be a great atmosphere at Leigh. We’ll put on a good show for all the fans.”