ENGLAND boss Brian McDermott has explained why Brad O’Neill will not start in the crunch clash against Papua New Guinea this weekend, and hailed the impact of Ben Talty on his wider squad.
England, who lost their opener to Tonga before thrashing France last weekend, need to put a big score on the Kumuls if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the World Cup semi-finals.
Hull KR’s Jez Litten, who came off the bench to score against France, has been given the nod to start at hooker ahead of Man of Steel O’Neill, who is named on the bench.
And McDermott believes he has picked a team best suited to earn victory.
“The players have been great and fantastic to work with,” said McDermott, who has given 20 players a run out so far.
“They all understand it’s a squad effort not just a team effort and we’ve got a specific task against Papua New Guinea.
“I think it will be a stiffer test than against France, but it’s a very unique position where we need to beat them convincingly and picking a team best suited to that is the best task.
“They are not easy conversations to have but it is when the players have humility and Brad O’Neill is one of those.”
Brisbane Broncos front-rower Talty is among those yet to feature for England at the tournament.
But McDermott believes he has been an integral part of his squad, explaining: “It’s just been selection and every week is a tough call. Ben has been very close in all three games.
“I was really pleased to give him a call-up for the squad. I’ve worked with him at Newcastle Knights and I understand some of his mentality.
“He’s a really good foot soldier and especially against a team like PNG, he’s excellent at laying the foundations for his team.
“He is the epitome of what a squad member can do for the group because at no point has it ever been a problem for him.
“But he’s added to the group and if we carry on in this tournament, then who knows?”
