GRAHAM'S SET FOR A LOCK-OUT

JAMES GRAHAM is realistic enough not to read too much into England’s stirring second- half fightback against Australia a fortnight ago.

The big test for coach Tony Smith’s men comes tonight in the fi nal of the Gillette Four Nations at Elland Road as the
Darren Lockyer-led Kangaroos look to put an 80-minute performance together for the first time in the tournament.

They are also keen to improve on their record of winning only one of their last three finals.

“Australia maybe took their foot off the gas in the second half at Wigan and we grabbed a few opportunities that came our way,” said St Helens prop Graham, who had another strong game last week in the win over world champions New Zealand to put England into the final.

“Don’t take anything away from New Zealand, who are world champions, but Australia are a different beast. They have another fantastic pack, but that strike power out wide is second to none.”

But if an England pack that now commands respect from everyone, can get on the front foot again, rookie half-backs
Sam Tomkins and Kyle Eastmond can light the spark for a home victory.

Despite their win over the Kiwis, the bookies still don’t fancy England. And the last time a national side played Australia at Elland Road, Great Britain were wiped out 44-4 in the final of the 2004 Tri-Nations.

But Graham’s Saints and England team- mate James Roby is looking to a 30,000- plus crowd to be their 18th man and wipe out the bitter memories of fi ve years ago.

“The Aussies aren’t used to the kind of atmosphere we get at matches over here,” said hooker Roby. “The
crowd is what makes games so special here.

“If they get behind us they can help us intimidate the Aussies. If they are loud the Aussies may
start doubting them- selves, so the louder the better.”

And Tomkins added: “Kyle and I know each other’s games really well and that will stand us in good stead. We know what each other’s strengths are.

“You see games between GB and Australia when you are seven years old so it’s amazing that I’m now playing in them.

“Playing at international level is a big step up. But I have been taking steps up in the last 12 months.

“I came to the 2004 final with my dad and brother Joel. It wasn’t the greatest game and hopefully this will be different.”
Tomkins is looking forward to playing against Australia’s captain Lockyer in what is likely to be
his last international in this country.

He added: “I see it as a good thing that I’m having a chance to play against him.

“If you can control the half-backs in the team, it can have a major impact on the result. We’ve got a
job to do on Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston.

“We need to control them before we can control anything else.”

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