Lee’s sights on World Cup chance
Last updated at 12:03, Thursday, 08 November 2012
LEE Mossop is determined not to blow his World Cup chance when he turns out for England in the Autumn Internationals Final against France on Sunday.
The Wigan Warriors prop, from Whitehaven, featured for England against the Exiles in the summer but earned his first cap for Steve McNamara’s side when he played off the bench in last month’s big win over Wales.
“Steve Mac is looking at players and how they handle themselves. Everyone knows they have to perform to get their foot in the door for the World Cup, and that’s certainly what I’m trying to do,” said the former Hensingham ARL junior, who is aware that England’s Australian-based forwards are still to come in to the World Cup equation next year.
“I know the likes of Sam Burgess and James Graham are coming back in to the fold at World Cup time. But hopefully a lot of the time we will be playing four props, so to be one of the four would be outstanding.
“Playing for England against the Exiles was as big as they come, but to receive my cap before the Wales game made it more special.
“I felt proud more than anything. Internationals are probably the pinnacle and to play alongside some of those players sums it up. I was happy.”
England hammered Wales 80-12 and went on to beat the French 44-6 last weekend, though Mossop expects France to be fired up in the final at Salford.
“Even though we beat France comfortably, a lot of the lads were sore after that game. If the shoe was on the other foot and we had got beat we would be up for this game and they will be the same,” added Mossop, who believes England have plenty to improve on.
Mossop is facing fresh competition from improving Warrington Wolves prop Chris Hill, and veteran enforcer Adrian Morley has revealed he has no plans to retire from the international scene.
“There are some fantastic players in the front row who are not in this squad,” said Morley, now 35. “I’ve been reasonably happy with my last couple of games without being a world beater. I’ve been trying to have an influence on these young front-rowers like Chris and Lee Mossop.”
First published at 11:33, Thursday, 08 November 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk
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