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[Honor James]

Ahead of their opening Test match against the Australian Schoolboys on Sunday August 5, the England Academy side attended a private reception with the British
High Commissioner in Canberra.
The Academy team, who have recorded two straight victories so far on tour overcoming New South Wales Juniors 28-18 before defeating Parramatta Juniors 42
-18, were invited to the offices of the British Embassy where they received some words of encouragement.
"It's great to be able to welcome the England Academy side here to Canberra," said High Commissioner Paul Madden.
"It's particularly nice to welcome the side here today as they are a youth side and you can see their enthusiasm shining through and for these young men to
already be establishing themselves is fantastic.
"It's particularly relevant this week with the Olympics going on and with comparisons between the London Olympics and Sydney Olympics and debates
regarding which country will get the most gold medals cropping up in so many conversations, it couldn't be a better time for an English team to be touring.
"The head for the Australian foreign affairs is a big Rugby League fan so I know who he'll be rooting for his weekend but I'll be there on Sunday to support the
boys."
The England Academy go into Sunday's first Test against the Australian Schoolboys hoping to take a step towards a first series win on Australian soil
since 2004 and Academy player Jordan Baldwinson is confident the class of 2012 can get off to a successful start.
"Being able to go home with two wins against the Aussies would be amazing and one of those things you'd never forget for the rest of your life," said the
England and Leeds Rhinos youngster.
"It would be an amazing achievement for us and while you want to win every game you play, when you play Australia you really want to win because it means so
much and it would mean the world to me to be able to get two victories in the next few weeks.
"I can't wait to get a jersey on and play for the team and hopefully I'll get that chance this weekend.
"I'm confident about what we can do and in the games we've played already we've looked strong and sharp and we're continually improving which bodes well for the first Test."
-ends-

Nathan Clarke
England Academy Media Manager