Tim Sheens says Gillette Four Nations a good idea - Rugby League
While talking to reporters on November 14, Australian coach, Tim Sheens, acknowledged that Gillette Four Nations Series is a wonderful platform in the world of Rugby League. The comments came as the Aussies march into the final showdown, scheduled to take
place in Ellan Road, Leeds, against the English side.
England has advanced to final after an overwhelming win 28-6 against New Zealand in last weekend's game. This will be the second time England will be clashing with the series’ favourites, Australia.
The hype in the build-up of the Four Nations was high this year because previously the Four Nations was a Tri-Nations Campaign featuring only England, New Zealand and Australia, as the participating nations. This year the platform expanded by one more team.
One of the three, France, Papua New Guinea and Wales, was to field as the fourth contender of the series.
Expressing his thoughts about the expansion of the campaign, Sheens stated, "Although all three didn't win a game, the idea is very good. I know it's tough for them against the three dominant nations but to get that exposure on the international stage
is great for them. Wales beat France, which was a surprise, but obviously there is some potential there and I hope people stand by them."
Australian coach is of the view that winning at this stage is not as important as it is to experience the games played on the international platform, as the exposure of that sort is meant to nourish the game with time.
Since Rugby League World Cup is lined up in 2013, Four Nations will not be played until 2014, as the participating nations will be busy with the World Cup preparations. However, 2012 international games’ programme is yet to be confirmed.
Wales coach, Iestyn Harris, has picked up momentum by contesting against the giants in league and is looking forward to add on to the already hiked up performance profile of the Welsh side by continuing with the international games.
Sharing his World Cup preparation plans, Harris said, "We'd like to tour. I'm not sure what is going to happen but it's drastically important for our development with the World Cup around the corner.”
He explained that it was necessary as this would help his side’s younger lot to improve on their game.
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