Petero tips England to make RLWC final

Fiji captain Petero Civoniceva fully expects England will reach the Rugby League World Cup final.

Fiji will tackle England in their final group clash, in Hull on Saturday, and Australia’s most capped forward knows exactly what to expect after watching some of the English talent star in the 2013 NRL season.

“Seeing what the Burgess brothers have done this year in the NRL and Sam Tomkins and the other great players they have within their team, I feel that they are definitely going to be featuring in the final,” said Civoniceva, who made 45 appearances for Australia.

“All in all they have great attacking potential right across the field – their back three, their halves and their forward pack.

“It is going to be hard to contain the great players that they have but I think they will be up for some big games leading up to the final.”

The 37-year-old, whose rugby league swansong will continue in the tournament’s quarter-finals unless Ireland produce an immense boilover against the Kangaroos, wasn’t quite ready to head home.

“We came fourth in the last World Cup in 2008 and I am hopeful we can emulate that,” Civoniceva said.

“But saying that there are a lot of great sides in the competition. It is going to be tough going but if we realise our potential, that could be the case for us.”

England trio Tom Burgess, James Roby and Gareth Widdop were all rested for the Fiji clash with the previously suspended Sam Burgess and Michael McIlorum coming in along with Lee Mossop.

Mossop was handed a role from the bench as England began their campaign in Cardiff with a 28-20 loss to Australia.

The 24-year-old then played no part as England got up and running with a 42-0 defeat of Ireland but is back and ready to play his role.

“The main thing is that the best 17 play every week and (coach) Steve (McNamara) has made his decision on who the best men are to beat Fiji,” Mossop said.

“We all back each other. I missed out against Ireland but I was very hopeful of coming back into the team to get a shot at Fiji.

“Everyone has gelled together, the banter is good,” he insisted amid reports of dressing room unrest following the exits of Zak Hardaker and Gareth Hock, the latter kicked out before the tournament started after flouting an alcohol ban.

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