ENGLAND captain Kevin Sinfield is hoping the Super League play-off system can provide his team with a cutting edge as they enter the knockout stages of the World Cup. Of coach Steve McNamara's 23-man squad, only Castleford's Rangi Chase was not involved in the end-of-season play-offs, while double winners Wigan could have as many as six players appearing on home soil in tonight's quarter-final clash with France at the DW Stadium.
"It certainly ramps up now for everybody," Sinfield said after the traditional captain's run at the DW Stadium. "We know it's do or die. Thankfully, we've got a load of guys that have been through the play-off system recently.
"I know they have it in the NRL but a larger majority of our squad have been involved in the play-off system over the last couple of years than probably most other teams. They're used to this sort of football and we've got plenty of Wigan boys who have been great in the Challenge Cup and the play-offs.
"We're looking forward to it. We know how tough the French game is going to be and hopefully moving forward what could lie in wait could be really exciting."
Hull-born McNamara has made two changes to the 19-man squad on duty for last week's 34-12 win over Fiji at the KC Stadium, but declined to clarify his line-up other than to confirm that winger Josh Charnley will win his fourth cap at the expense of Tom Briscoe.
"I think Josh didn't do too much in game one against Australia," said McNamara. "Tom took his chance and stayed there for a couple of games. I'm really keen to see Josh play this game."
McNamara, who used all 23 players during the three group games, has not ruled out making further changes if England progress in the tournament in a horses-for-courses selection policy.
"We've got some really good players in this squad and some are obviously disappointed not to get a run this week," he said. "You pick the best 17 for the
opponents you are playing that week. It doesn't mean it will be the same for next week because it will be different opposition and different needs for each game."
Huddersfield centre Leroy Cudjoe will maintain his ever-present record, 48 hours after becoming a father. Cudjoe spent the squad's day off by the bedside of partner Jenna as she gave birth to their first child and was back in camp yesterday morning.
"It all worked out pretty well," McNamara said. "He timed it for the day off! All is fine. He's training with us, but he will perform a couple of fatherhood duties and then be back in camp with us."England's 19-man squad: G Burgess (South Sydney), S Burgess (South Sydney), R Burrow (Leeds), J Charnley (Wigan), R Chase (Castleford), L Cudjoe (Huddersfield), L Farrell (Wigan), B Ferres (Huddersfield), J Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), R Hall (Leeds), C Hill (Warrington), M McIlorum (Wigan), L Mossop (Wigan), S O'Loughlin (Wigan), J Roby (St Helens), K Sinfield (Leeds, capt), S Tomkins (Wigan), K Watkins (Leeds), B Westwood (Warrington).
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