McNamara backs Kevin Sinfield to sway decider

England coach Steve McNamara is hoping Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield can guide his side to victory in the Four Nations decider against New Zealand in Hull.

England must win to secure a place in next Saturday's final with Australia.

Two years ago, they had to beat the Kiwis to reach the final and Sinfield, playing at hooker, was the man of the match in a 20-12 victory.

"[Sinfield's] influence on this team, as I've said right from the start, is very, very big," said McNamara.


"He's played in three different positions throughout this tournament and his performance hasn't diminishe
McNamara could yet field the same team for a fourth consecutive match but is sweating on the fitness of experienced forwards Jamie Peacock, Gareth Ellis and James Graham.
Unusually, he is yet to name his starting line-up.

"We've improved each week throughout the tournament without doubt and I'm sure we'll see some more improvement this week to get us over the line," added McNamara.

"There's a lot at stake. We need to play with a lot of passion and a lot of control at the same time.
"If we get that mix right, we will be a tough side beat but we're up against a Kiwi team that has been very successful in the last four years."

New Zealand-born Rangi Chase will be winning his fourth cap for England but Kiwi captain Benji Marshall won't be going easy on an opponent he went to school with.

"He's one of my best mates and he'll still be my mate at the end of it but this week he won't be," Marshall said.

"He texted me a few times to catch up but I won't catch up with him this week because we're playing them.

"That's how it is. When you're playing against someone you're enemies for a short time. As soon as the game is over, we'll have a hug and be back to normal."

New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney has also not announced his team.
Prop Fuifui Moimoi is a big doubt with an ankle injury while Sam McKendr is out with a broken jaw.

The KC Stadium crowd is expected to be a record for an England international against New Zealand.

Saturday's attendance is guaranteed to top the 19,360 who saw England beat the Kiwis in the 2009 Four Nations at Huddersfield and also set to surpass the 20,324 crowd who watched Great Britain win 44-0 at the KC Stadium in the 2007 Test series.

McNamara added: "If you get a full KC Stadium, it can be a hugely intimidating place and I think it will be a big factor for us."