Exiles captain Brett Hodgson says there is work to be done if the Super League’s annual Origin Series between his side and England is to take off.
The Warrington fullback, who missed the Exiles’ 18-10 loss at Langtree Park last month, returned to inspire his side to a 32-20 win on Wednesday – securing their second title in succession.
Hodgson scored two tries and contributed 16 points in the Exiles’ victory, which followed a win in last year’s one-off inaugural fixture.
Also on target was former New Zealand international Francis Meli, who crossed twice in a match where the best of Super League’s ‘foreign legion’ clashed with England.
Unlike Australia’s State of Origin series between Queensland and NSW, the English version hasn’t captured the public imagination.
Super League clubs have voiced concerns about ‘needless’ fixtures that fall in the middle of their domestic campaign – worries heightened by ex-Warriors halfback Thomas Leuluai’s broken leg in the first fixture.
Hodgson, who represented NSW six times, was just glad to pull on the Exiles shirt.
“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done in terms of the lead up to the game,” he said.
“I think it’s always going to be a work in progress but as far as the players are concerned we have a lot of passion and pride playing for our countries and our people.
“We have a lot to play for when we pull on those jerseys.”
Former Parramatta coach Daniel Anderson, who made three changes to his 21-man squad from the Exiles’ last outing in St Helens, refused to rule out a second stint in charge of the multi-national side.
“We wanted to promote the Exiles brand and that’s a skilful brand of rugby and I think we showcased that,” he said.
“I’m delighted with the support I have received from the (Super League) coaches, we had some challenges getting players to participate at times, but the boys were really excited to be playing and motivated to represent the Exiles and it showed.”
England coach Steve McNamara turned his thoughts to next year’s World Cup in Great Britain.
“That defeat is probably key for the development of our team,” said McNamara.
“It was very tough on the young guys going in there.”