Briscoe ready to step back into firing line against Australians

The powerful wideman will be one of the players the Kangaroos fear most at Wembley tomorrow given the destructive performances which have marked the young Yorkshireman out as a potential NRL recruit.

However, it was a different story in 2009 when a Greg Inglis-inspired Australia caused havoc down England’s right side, tearing Briscoe and Leeds Rhinos centre Lee Smith apart as they raced 26-0 ahead.

The rookie 19-year-old was hauled off at half-time by Smith and did not feature as England defeated New Zealand a week later to play Australia in the final.

He did return to the international scene under Steve McNamara last season, though, and is now firmly established as one of the best wingers in the business.

“Tony told me he brought me off to save my confidence because it was only my second international,” Briscoe told the Yorkshire Post.

“He felt that I could have been ruined if I’d have stayed out there and he was right to be honest.

“They were running us ragged down that right side.

“I felt if I’d have stayed on I could have helped put it right but coming off did make me stronger,” he admitted.

“It’s made me who I am today; I learned plenty from that experience and am a better player now.

“I wouldn’t have any hesitation about playing against Inglis now and can’t wait to face Australia again.

“We’re all going into this game full of confidence and it’d be great to beat them in the first international back at Wembley for 14 years,

“But more than that we think we can go on and win the whole tournament.”

Star centre Inglis, who won the Golden Boot in 2009 but missed last year’s Four Nations through injury, returns to bolster Australia tomorrow.

He believes England are a much tougher proposition and said: “This year they look stronger and more determined, probably because it’s on their home soil.

“They’ll want to lift that trophy on their own turf.

“We’re expecting an ambush from them at Wembley but our preparation has been spot on.”

Inglis, who has been out for two months injured, added: “There’s no doubt I’ll be blowing in the first 10 minutes but hopefully it won’t be long before I’m getting my second wind.

“I’ve definitely happy memories of 2009. I came into it on the back of a great season.

“Hopefully I can start my first game off on a good note but you can’t just jump straight back into the form that I had in the past. Missing such a long time, it would be a miracle if I could do that.

“I’ll have to wait and see how I go.

“I know for a fact I won’t be leaving anything in the tank.”

Briscoe, 21, has switched to the left flank this season so will not face the South Sydney centre.

He will come up against Newcastle Knights flier Akuile Uate, however, the Fijian who was named International Winger of the Year on Wednesday night.

Briscoe, who has two years remaining at Hull but admits he would like to move to the NRL sometime in the future, said: “I’ve seen the footage and he’s a strong runner with the ball but you want to play the best players in the world as that’s how you improve.

“Hopefully we can cause him some problems too. Me and (Hull centre) Kirk (Yeaman) have gone well in the last couple of games.”