Leeds Rhinos legend makes bold claim about Australia squad and England’s World Cup hopes

It’s been 16 years since a British team last beat Australia.

That team was led by Jamie Peacock who even won a bust up with Aussie star Willie Mason as Great Britain beat the Aussies in their own backyard.

On top of that, it’s been 50 years since a British team lifted the World Cup when Great Britain lifted the trophy in France in 1972 after drawing the final 10-all with the Aussies.

Since then, there’s been plenty of missed opportunities but now, based on their 60-6 win over Samoa, this might be England’s best chance yet at lifting the trophy and beating Australia in the process,

That’s the view of Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock who has made a bold statement about the current Australian squad.

Speaking to Betway, Peacock claimed that the decision of Samoan and Tongan stars to not represent Australia has left the Aussies weakened and the door open for England.

He has also claimed that the current Aussie squad doesn’t have the same calibre of player it once did despite star names like Nathan Cleary.

He said: “There’s a huge challenge for them this year with the decision of a lot of players with Polynesian heritage not to play for Australia.

“That means Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand are all realistic winners along with Australia, who I don’t think will be as dominant. They’ve been the most ruthless team that consistently deliver excellence. The team from between 2006 and 2017 had five immortals in it – Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Jonathan Thurston, Greg Inglis and Cooper Cronk – and that level of player is not in the Australian squad at the moment.

“Samoa have got a number of players who could have played for Australia, including probably the best young player of his generation in Joseph Sua’ali’i and several players who have played in the State of Origin.”