GEORGE WILLIAMS has hit out at the ‘mad set-up’ of the Rugby League World Cup as England prepare for their opening game against Tonga tomorrow.
With no quarter-final round, it leaves England likely fighting for a semi-final spot alongside Pool C sides Tonga and Samoa, with both Australia and New Zealand, who kicked off the tournament with an all-time epic on Thursday, expected to progress from Pool A.
Though feeling as though Tonga are the favourites to get their tournament off to a winning start tomorrow, Williams believes England are ready for the challenge ahead.
“It’s a mad set-up,” said captain Williams, who will line up alongside Harry Smith in the halves.
“I don’t know how they’ve worked it out with no quarter-finals, but we’ve just got to win our games and do our job. That starts tomorrow.
“We’ll probably go into the match as underdogs. Tonga are a stacked team and have been for a number of years now.
“We’ll be underdogs and have that brush on our head. We need to bring our game tomorrow night against a great team.
“It’s a massive test in front of us but I think we’re ready.”
Head coach Brian McDermott has not shied away from his hopes that England can use a ‘point of difference’ in a bid to go further in the competition.
And Williams has confirmed that there will be some changes to his side’s attacking play.
“It’s definitely been different,” the 31-year-old admitted.
“I’m not going to tell you all the tricks, but it’s been different and enjoyable.
“The group have all bought into what he wants us to do and hopefully you’ll see that against Tonga.
“Don’t be expecting this mad and expansive style or free-for-all, but we’re going to put some stuff in there that we’ve not done previously.”
