Tony Smith Fires First Shot

England coach Tony Smith has fired the first salvo in the World Cup "war of words" by declaring the NRL produces negative, predictable football.

Smith, Australian born and highly regarded in English League circles, said he rated England's Super League a far superior product to the NRL.

"We make the ball do the work and are prepared to have a go," said Smith in a broadside to the "style" of the NRL.

"We may make a mistake or two but at least we give the ball air and try something different," he added.

England are pinning their World Cup hopes on the back of Smith, a brother of NRL coach Brian Smith.

Smith has taken the trouble to return to Australia to inspect every aspect of England's World Cup campaign, even to the point of testing the accommodation bed sizes.

Smith is regarded as the consummate professional and he has already stamped his mark by scoring a clean sweep of New Zealand in a recent Test series.

There is no doubt in my mind that England will be a tough nut for Australia to crack. They at last have the players who can innovate and capitalise on the creativity so many of their younger players can produce.

Meanwhile Welsh star Gareth Carvell has confirmed his availability and eligibility to play for England in the World Cup.

Carvell will benefit from a rule that allows players to switch allegiances every two years.

Born in Leeds, in England's Rugby League hotbed, Carvell qualified for Wales through his father, Tony who comes from Pontypridd.

"I was born in England and although I am proud to be half-Welsh I have had to bite the bullet and now play for England, if selected.

Carvell, 27, a "no holds barred" front rower, certainly lends "mustard" to the English pack.

by Geoff Prenter