Steve McNamara enjoying England's popularity before Four Nations Final
While addressing the press conference at the Gillette Four Nations 2011 on Saturday, November 19, English coach, Steve McNamara, acknowledged that England has amassed a lot of popularity due to the constant media eye, just ahead of the series’ final clash
at Elland Road, Leeds.
Expressing his thoughts about walking out of the series triumphant, the English coach stated, “Without a doubt, wining this tournament would increase that even further and hopefully open a few more doors in all sorts of areas for our sport in terms of player
recruitment, spectators, sponsorship, television and all the bits that go with that. It would give us a great boost in this country."
Gillette Four Nations’ world champions for 2011 will be decided tonight as the Red Roses lock horns with the series’ favourites, Kangaroos, amid a packed house. The final match has already attracted a huge crowd of over 34,000 spectators. By Thursday, tickets
were already sold-out, which forced the tournament organisers to release 500 more tickets for sale. However, the demand for the tickets was so high that even with extra tickets released on Thursday morning, the waiting list continued to exist, with still 1,000
more on it.
The Australian vice-captain, Cameron Smith, shared that his side always loves playing in England because the crowd is very responsive and loud, which lets them enjoy their game more.
While commenting about the crowd at English venues, the Kangaroos’ vice-captain stated, “I think a lot of the guys really enjoy playing in England. The crowds are very vocal but at the end of the match it doesn't matter whether you've won or lost, they always
stay and applaud, even if you're playing for Australia."
In the title decider of Gillette Four Nations, Adrian Morley, the English prop, will make his 50th international appearance, which will make him the British player with the highest number appearances made. The same match will also feature the final, on-field
performance by the Australian skipper, Darren Lockyer.
Kangaroos wish to send off their long-time captain on a higher note. However, their coach, Tim Sheens, believes that their focus should be on winning the Four Nations Trophy, which they lost to Kiwis a year ago. This clearly meant that their coach does not
want his side to lose the attention of their game by shifting it to Lockyer.
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