Steve McNamara expects return of Gareth Ellis in final of Gillette Four Nations
While talking to reporters on Thursday, November 17, English coach, Steve McNamara, shared that he is expecting the return of Gareth Ellis, who could not be part of the previous weekend’s sudden death game of Gillette Four Nations.
The English coach will not undergo any changes in the winning combination of their line-up that saw them walk out with a win against Kiwis by 28-6.
Ellis, who is considered alongside the best of rugby league, sat out the clash against New Zealand. In that showdown, Gareth Carvell covered well for the injured Ellis, leaving no room for any regret of the latter’s absence.
The English coach added that he is expecting Ellis to return to the Engish line-up and shared that the player has recovered fully. However, the final call is yet to be made, which will keep the guessing game going for both Gareths, because only one of the
two, will make it to the final showdown of Four Nations.
Expressing his thoughts about their splendid performance throughout the tournament, McNamara stated, "We obviously wanted to perform well in the tournament and we have done well so far. It's put us in a position to compete in the final and as long as we
prepare right this week and look to get our performance right, it should be a good night. There were probably some questions raised after those two games against France and Wales whether we were improving or not. But it's difficult from the outside looking
in - they were two extremely tough fixtures.”
He went on and added that his side played exceptionally well against New Zealand in the sudden death clash over the weekend, which proves that that they are improving as they are moving deeper into the series. He also acknowledged the happiness his side
is feeling for making as the finalists of the title decider of Four Nations.
He said that his side will have to continue playing well and keep themselves focused on the game in the final clash too, if the wish to walk out on a winning note.
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