McNamara keen to see French fixtures continue

England coach Steve McNamara thinks that his team should continue to play matches against northern hemisphere opposition, such as France, in order to maintain the sport’s development.

The English destroyed France 84-4 at Leigh on Saturday, with Richard Agar’s French team seriously weakened by the unavailability of many eligible players.

“We really have a huge responsibility to enhance our international games,” McNamara told reporters.

“France need help to achieve their potential, as they’re certainly a better team than the one that got beat by 80 points.

“We’ve got a responsibility as a game to try play as many international fixtures as possible.

“There were a few things which prevented France from fielding their strongest team but I’d rather continue those than play against a club team, for example.”

Reports in Australia have stated that McNamara has extended his stay at Sydney Roosters by another two years.

He is the assistant coach at the NRL club, but he refused to be drawn on his future with England, ahead of the three-match series with New Zealand.

“I’ve said this all along and nothing’s changed,” he added.

“I won’t speak about my own situation until after this series.

“I’m fully focused on making sure we win this series and everything else on the back of that can be worked out afterwards.”