England are 'complete' package: Cordner

Kangaroos star Boyd Cordner insists a "complete" England present a worthy opponent in next Saturday's Rugby League World Cup final.

The traditional rivals are the last two nations standing after England survived a furious Tonga comeback on Saturday.

While Wayne Bennett's side have bounced back from their tournament-opening loss to Australia with four straight wins, they will start as overwhelming underdogs in Brisbane.

The Kangaroos have won 12 straight against England dating back to 1995, while their last defeat to Great Britain came in 2006.

"England's just, they're a complete footy side," Cordner said.

"You have to play for 80 minutes to beat England. They pushed us all the way in Melbourne in the first game."

 

Australia have the bonus of an extra day's rest, having won their semi-final over Fiji on Friday at Suncorp Stadium.

Mal Meninga's squad enjoy Sunday off while England spend their recovery day in the air.

The flight adds to an exhausting travelling schedule which has already included trips to Melbourne, Perth, Melbourne again and Auckland.

The Kangaroos have remained in Australia throughout the six weeks, beginning in Melbourne before stops at Canberra, Sydney, Darwin and then the sunshine state.

Cordner conceded fatigue has become an issue but said the extra day's rest would be an advantage.

Aaron Woods (shoulder), David Klemmer (sternum), Will Chambers (toe) and Josh McGuire (ankle) are all icing minor injuries, as is England captain Sean O'Loughlin (shoulder).

Hooker Josh Hodgson is all but certain to miss the match with a knee injury, with veteran James Roby to deputise.

"Some of the boys have been training for over a year now from pre-season last year," Cordner said.

"So it's been non-stop for over a year now, especially playing in that game in Darwin.

"It took a lot out of us, as well in the heat, up there.

"That's a bonus not having go to the airport, spend a full day travelling, which is really good for recovery.

"It'll be good to have a couple of days off, freshen up."

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