GARETH Widdop is hoping to upset a few of his old team-mates when England kick off the World Cup in Melbourne on Friday.

The Halifax-born stand-off, who grew up supporting Bradford Bulls, spent the first four years of his professional career in Melbourne, learning the game from all-time greats Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk, before moving on to St George Illawarra in 2014.

He will be back at AAMI Park on Friday for the first time in three years, hoping England can avenge a 16-12 loss to Australia and make it a miserable start for the Cup holders' famous three, who still form the spine of the Kangaroos team.

"I think it's a good rugby league stadium," said Widdop – whose father Gary played for Keighley – after England's training session at Albert Park on the other side of the city. "I haven't had a game here for three years, so it's good to get back there.

"Cronk, Smith and Slater are a bit older but they're still smart players. It's always a good challenge, though. You want to play against the best players in the world and we'll get the opportunity on Friday to do that.

"They're a big part of my journey I suppose as I started down in Melbourne. I speak to them every now and then and we'd give each other a text."

While the considerable threat of Smith, Cronk and Slater, who has recovered from career-threatening shoulder surgery, still exists, at least England will not be tormented by Johnathan Thurston, who is ruled out with a similar injury.

Australia coach Mal Meninga has opted to go with Michael Morgan over James Maloney and Widdop's Melbourne successor Cameron Munster as the half-back partner for Cronk, not that the England international is taking much heed.

"JT is a big part but the Aussies have another six stand-offs they can pick from," Widdop said. "For us, it's about what we can control. We all know they're a good team.

"It's good to see Billy back. He had a rough two or three years where he maybe didn't quite know what was going on with his career but it's great to see him back playing some good rugby.

"He's a smart player and, while we've got to be wary of him, we can't just put all our focus on him. We've got to worry about ourselves first and, if we do that, things will take care of themselves."

Meanwhile, Widdop's presence at the game will ensure a few more supporters cheering for the away team.

"My family are coming to the game and I've still got a fair few friends who live in Melbourne," he said. "My wife's parents still live about 40 minutes away, so they'll all turn up. I'm not sure who they'll support like!"