McNamara full of praise for England youngsters (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

McNamara full of praise for England youngsters

6:40am Monday 9th November 2009

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Steve McNamara believes England have set the foundations for future success during this year’s Gillette Four Nations.

The national team will meet Australia in the final of the tournament after an impressive 20-12 victory against world champions New Zealand.

And Bulls chief McNamara, also an assistant in Tony Smith’s England set-up, believes the current crop of players can only continue to improve.

Saturday’s win in Huddersfield was achieved by a team with an average age of just 25, while eight of the tournament squad only made their debuts within the last month.

McNamara said: “The players are all very positive. It’s a good camp to be in and it’s young, which is something people have to acknowledge.

“There are some very young guys playing for their country for the first time, so it’s good experience for them.

“We want to be successful now but the experience gained from this competition is also good for the future of the team.

“I think we are making progress. There was a period last year, around the World Cup, which was difficult for everybody but I see this as a real start to a strong, progressive England for years to come.”

A host of talented youngsters have been given their chance during the Four Nations.

The rookie half-back pairing of Kyle Eastmond and Sam Tomkins impressed against New Zealand, while 19-year-old Hull winger Tom Briscoe has also featured.

It has not always run smoothly for England’s rising stars – Briscoe was dropped for the win against New Zealand after enduring a tough time against Australia – but McNamara believes the experience they have gained will be invaluable.

“You take Tom Briscoe, who’s been given his chance at 19,” said McNamara.

“He may have had a torrid time against Australia but for a young boy to experience that, regardless of what he did, can only be good for him. It’s good to play against players of that standard.”

McNamara is sure the experience of being involved in the England set-up can help him too.

He said: “With every game and every competition, we gain things from it. It’s very good for myself and hopefully I can get things from them and they can get things from me too.

“We’ve all come from the same type of coaching school and that’s the Brian Smith school and nobody could be closer to him than his brother. Tony’s a very good coach.”

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