Fielden dreams of repeat triumph

Given Australians' seemingly innate love of goading, it was inevitable they would spend much of this week "sledging" the England prop about his infamous appearance on their shores.

Four years ago, the world's most expensive player was knocked out by a right hook from Kangaroos' hard man Willie Mason during a brutal Tri-Nations game in Sydney and it seemed a glittering career in which he had won every honour with Bradford Bulls would be remembered for little else.

"It's been getting trotted out all week and every time I speak people are talking about it," Fielden told the Yorkshire Post ahead of England's crucial Four Nations game at Melbourne.

"They love it and it seems to be their focus but that's the way it is.

"It doesn't have any meaning whatsoever to me, they can say whatever they want.

"I can't wait for this and just hope I get the nod.

"For now, I'm just concentrating on my game."

There was a time when the proud Yorkshireman struggled to do that.

Indeed, his performances slid markedly after the notorious incident, his form suffering so badly that the mainstay of the international side was overlooked completely by Great Britain coach Tony Smith

12 months later.

He was a pale shadow of the formidable player who, against Wests Tigers in Bradford's 2006 World Club Challenge success, had delivered one of the most commanding individual displays in recent history and earned that record-breaking 450,000 move to Wigan.

However, Mason's cheap shot was never the sole factor behind the sudden decline as off-field problems, including the tragic death of his mother, played their part as well.

It is testimony to Fielden's courage and determination, though, that he has slowly recovered from that nadir and returned to the heights of the game.

After proving an integral part of Wigan's first Super League win since 1998, he ended his four years in the international wilderness when called upon against New Zealand last Saturday and is now preparing to face Australia once more.

There is no Mason – that re-match should occur next season when the controversial forward arrives in Super League with Hull KR – but such a sideshow is not required given the enormity of England's task.

Having lost 24-10 against the Kiwis, they must defeat Australia on their home turf for the first time since that night four years ago to maintain any hope of progressing to next month's final.

Fielden's experience could prove crucial – he is the tourists' most capped player – and he feels the high stakes will help them succeed.

"The best players perform under pressure and we know we have to perform," added the Halifax-born front-row, who cut his teeth with Illingworth ARLFC.

"I think we will show what a good side we are and it could bring the best out of us.

"It's one of the best things ever playing for your country – whether against the Kiwis or the Aussies – especially now when there's so much at stake.

"We know we have to win to have a chance of going through. It's that simple.

"It is just a massive occasion but we know we've got to start better. We were 18-0 down against the Kiwis and you can't let the best sides in the world get that sort of lead.

"The second half was much improved, though and, as a team, we showed we can put the pressure on.

"We've got to do that from the off against Australia."

Only four players – James Roby, Gareth Ellis and Sean O'Loughlin being the others – survive from that 2006 win in Sydney when the Lions ignored Mason's thuggery to produce one of their finest performances in years.

They may have been humbled in Brisbane a fortnight later but Fielden can impart the knowledge that the champions are beatable and he remains eager to complete his personal recovery by adding an international title to his domestic success.

"To do that would cap off an unbelievable year," added Fielden, who flew out late on tour after delaying to witness the birth of his first child.

"There are two massive challenges – to get there (the final) and then to win it. But it's possible. We know it is."

A typically powerful performance from him will set them on their way.

And, once and for all, remind any smirking Australians that there is more to Stuart Fielden than Willie Mason's lucky punch.