Woods: Australia want to be number one again

Kangaroos forward Aaron Woods says Australia is out to win its world number one ranking back in the Four Nations.

New Zealand are the reigning Four Nations champions and top of the world rankings, with the Kangaroos second.

The tournament kicks off on Friday when Australia face Scotland.

“We’re not the number one ranked side anymore,” Woods said.

“New Zealand are and we’ve got to go out, we want that ranking back.

“You want to win every game you play, but obviously we’re not the reigning Four Nations trophy, it’s probably the only trophy we haven’t got at the moment.

“It’s something we really want to get back.”

Woods believes England will be strong contenders in the Four Nations under new coach Wayne Bennett.

“I’ve never had him, but from what I’ve heard he’s an outstanding coach and he’ll really help the boys,” he said.

“I think they’ll be really good come the Four Nations. They’ve got a massive pack – the Burgess’, all three of them, you’ve got Graham.

“They’ll be strong all across the park, not just their forward pack. Obviously they’ve got blokes like Widdop who have played their whole career in the NRL, so they’re not shy of experience.

“Under Wayne they’ll be a very well-guided side.”