England half-back Gareth Widdop believes that a win for Steve McNamara’s men in this year’s international series against New Zealand should see the English leapfrog Australia in the world rankings.
With Australia not playing any post-season games through choice this year, the world’s top ranked side and the team in No.3 will do battle over a three-Test series in 2015.
And Widdop, who plays his club rugby in Australia, thinks that if England do get the job done against the Kiwis, the Aussies should be dropped down to third in the rankings.
“I think we should (jump them in the rankings),” Widdop told NRL.com.
“It would be nice, wouldn’t it? We’ve still got a long way to go but in the last few years we’ve been close and it’s certainly been disappointing. We’ve got to keep working hard and the results will come.
“It would be nice for England to get some recognition in rugby league. To win a tournament like this and do well would be huge for rugby league in England.”
