Exiles coach Daniel Anderson wants to be allowed to field a full-strength team during the second and final match of the International Origin Series after England won game one 18-10.
The Exiles were the bookies’ favourites to build on last year’s 16-12 win in the inaugural match but were always going to be up against it following a host of late drop outs due to injury.
Captain Brett Hodgson and Michael Monaghan were among eight players to be sidelined and it told as tries from Gareth Hock, Danny Tickle and Sam Tomkins helped England to victory.
The Exiles registered scores of their own from former New Zealand international Francis Meli and Daryl Millard but saw stand-in skipper Thomas Leuluai go down injured in the second half.
And Anderson has called to be given complete access to the best overseas talent playing in the Super League if the Exiles are to win the second match against England on July 4.
“Availability of players will be key for us,” said Anderson, who led the New Zealand Warriors to the NRL Grand Final in 2002 and the Parramatta Eels to the same feat in 2009.
“I know clubs are under duress in the second game so hopefully we will get the commitment and support of the clubs. It will be an interesting game.
“There are a couple of rounds in between so hopefully some players become available who weren’t available for game one – Brett Hodgson for instance, Michael Monaghan – key position players.
“Although I thought Shannon McDonnell and Lance Hohaia played really well and I am really happy and I thought we really got stuck into the game.
“I thought we defended very well – I can’t remember too many line breaks from England – I thought we provided a good test.
“I thought we created a stack of opportunities but we couldn’t get the last pass right. We scored one try from a kick but all of England’s tries were from kicks.
“I am worried about Thomas though as I know everyone is. It is an ankle-type injury and it will be a bit of time on the sidelines.”
Meanwhile England coach Steve McNamara admitted New Zealand-born Rangi Chase did what was required of him after being paired with Kevin Sinfield at half-back.
Chase starred for the Exiles last year but has since switched allegiances to England and McNamara insists the former St George half-back did a solid job.
“It was a difficult night for everybody involved out there to bring their A game, everyone had to roll their sleeves up and I thought our players – our half-backs – did that on certain occasions,” he said.
“It was very difficult in the wet conditions but we did manage the game for a long period in the first half, enough to give us enough of a lead to go and win the game.
“There was an improvement across the park, the players are really looking forward to game two and hopefully we can get a drier night. Both teams will be better for this hit out.”
