The national side needs to play more often if it is to become a force comparable to Australia when the tournament takes place on domestic soil in four yearsHistorically in English rugby league there are no shortage of instances of chest‑beating and confidence that brighter times lie ahead following defeat by Australia – but this time,despite losing a World Cup final, it was tough not to feel genuinely encouraged.
There is nothing too satisfying in being plucky losers again. But as the players head domestic from a gruelling six weeks and the end of a season which, or for some,began final December, there is a golden opportunity for the game in England to build on a performance which shows the gap behind the Kangaroos has been bridged somewhat.
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Source: guardian.co.uk