Smith: We wanted to face Australia
England coach Tony Smith said his side was motivated by the opportunity to play Australia in the Gillette Four Nations Final at Elland Road.
France 4-42 Australia
Australia qualified for the Gillette Four Nations Final at Elland Road with a 42-4 victory over France in Paris.
England 16-26 Australia
A disappointing first-half performance from England gave Australia a 26-0 lead, enough to win the game despite being kept scoreless after the break.
Celtic appoint Noble, Sharp and Harris
Celtic Crusaders have appointed Brian Noble as their new head coach, with Jon Sharp and Iestyn Harris as assistants.
Australian side to tour Serbia
The NSW Tertiary Students team will become the first Australian side to tour Serbia later this month.
Ashes contest scheduled for Four Nations
The Gillette Four Nations encounter between England and Australia in October will also be a battle for the rugby league “Ashes”.
Wilkin: Bring back rugby league Ashes
England and St Helens star Jon Wilkin has joined the calls for the rugby league “Ashes” series to be revived.
Fiji want Tuqiri for Pacific Cup
Fiji want to pick dual-code international Lote Tuqiri in their squad for the Pacific Cup in October – even if he hasn’t signed with a league club by then.