Whitehead looking forward to NRL quality

England second row Elliott Whitehead is relishing the prospect of plying his trade in the NRL next season with Canberra Raiders.

The former Bradford man was a key part of England‘s win over New Zealand at Hull on Sunday, and playing against players like the Kiwis week-in, week-out, is something that appeals to him.

“I’m going over there to come up against good opposition week in, week out,” he told the Bradford Telegraph & Argus.

“No disrespect to Super League but I think a lot of people know it’s a lot closer competition in the NRL.

“Super League is heading the right way, don’t get me wrong, but every week in the NRL is a tough competition. I can’t way to get over there and get involved.”

Whitehead was pleased with England‘s defensive effort in their win over the Kiwis, which gave the home team a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

“To keep a side rated the best in the world scoreless for over 50 minutes is good but we have to improve again this week,” he said.

“We know it will be a different test as they know a bit more about us now and we know some more about them, so it will change a lot.”