Dave Craven: Winning at Wembley would be just the start for McNamara

Undoubtedly, if the game is ever going to gain the profile it deserves it needs a thriving international calendar and there is no finer place to showcase its merits than in the grandeur of the national stadium.

Some of Great Britain and England’s most iconic and memorable moments in recent history have occurred in London and it is undeniable opposition sides visiting there are vulnerable.

Since the teams first met at Wembley in 1963, Great Britain/England have defeated Australia on four of the seven occasions they have waged war while they also whitewashed New Zealand in 1993 – the only time the Kiwis have played at the famous venue – so it is certainly a happy hunting ground. But let’s not forget winning at Wembley is not the be-all and end-all.

As much as it would be marvellous to see Steve McNamara’s men chalk up another piece of vintage colour in front of the BBC cameras, with Sam Tomkins or Rangi Chase joining a pantheon of lionised greats like Ellery Hanley, Jonathan Davies and Jason Robinson as the next constantly re-run clip for years to come, it will mean nothing if any success over the much-vaunted Kangaroos is not replicated in the far less spectacular arena of Elland Road in a fortnight.

With all the emotion, passion and energy being invested into the long-awaited return to Wembley, and the much-anticipated collision with Australia tomorrow, it could be all too easy to take the eyes off the main prize – the Gillette Four Nations title.

The national side has a history of producing one-off wins over the old enemy without having the crucial consistency and staying power to reproduce it in a decisive second or third Test, or, in these modern times, a Tri or Four Nations final. So many ex-players spoken to this week – both English and Australian – in the admittedly exciting build-up to tomorrow’s double-header do believe the hosts can overcome the odds and hurt Tim Sheens’s superstars; over 80 minutes, England have the ability, courage and determination to defeat any side in the world.

However, when those same people were asked if England can win the actual competition in Leeds on November 19, there was a different answer.

Unfortunate experience says otherwise and that old nagging doubt returns.

It would mean – unless Wales spring the mother of all surprises – defeating the Aussies twice in quick succession, something everyone knows remains this country’s biggest problem.

Triumphing at Wembley would be a massive achievement which would do so much for the British game while proving a fine advert as the sport bids to try to win new viewers.

But an isolated victory is no longer enough and while the immediate after-glow would be warm, what would serve the game best, more than anything, is a tournament victory for the first time since the 1972 World Cup.

It has to be hoped that people remember that without getting transfixed by the simple notion of succeeding tomorrow.

That is why it is was pleasing to see McNamara’s comments yesterday reiterating the need for sustained success and not just sporadic achievements.

Until they discover that ruthless streak possessed by their revered opponents, England will never command similar respect to the Australians.

Notably, the only two Wembley fixtures between the sides when a prize was up for grabs – the 1992 and 1995 World Cup finals – were both won by Australia, the tourists showing their unerring ability to up the ante when it mattered most.

But nothing will be won there tomorrow, just the opportunity for two sides to put themselves in position to strike; England must start jockeying but it is in Leeds where the finishing line awaits.

And hopefully the start of a bold, new era,