Canberra hooker Josh Hodgson is hoping the Wayne Bennett effect can help England make a winning start to the rugby league Four Nations.

The Rugby Football League turned to the 66-year-old Bennett to turn England into a world force and deliver a first major trophy for 44 years.

The big picture is the 2017 World Cup but Bennett will be out to make a mark in his side’s Four Nations opener against holders New Zealand at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Hodgson, one of eight NRL players in Bennett’s 17-man team, has no doubt the RFL chose wisely and says the veteran Brisbane Broncos boss has already had a profound effect on the England players.

“I think he’s just brought that bit of experience in Test matches,” the former Hull KR captain said.

“He’s been around a long time and knows how to win big games by just instilling a bit of belief in individuals.

“He’s been really good one on one. He tells you to do your job and your bit for the team and anything else outside that don’t worry too much. I think that’s massively important in Test matches when it’s so close.”