England are dismissing any talk of favouritism ahead of tomorrow's clash with the Kiwis, labelling the New Zealand side "a world class team".
The home side are favourites on both hemispheres for the first test, tipped by most pundits to achieve their first win over the Kiwis since 2011.
They certainly look well placed to do it. They have an experienced side, who have been together for a long time, and a core of NRL talent. The English forward pack is one of the few on the planet that could match the Kiwis and Gareth Widdop is probably the best play maker - and definitely the best goal kicker - on either side. Plus they have pace and power in the backline, with 2015 Super League Man of Steel Zac Hardaker about to be unleashed into the international arena.
And they are facing a Kiwis side high on confidence and belief but shorn of five or six key players, the kind of personnel that are almost irreplaceable in a test match situation.
But the England camp have shrugged off talk of an inevitable victory tomorrow.
"I didn't know [we were favourites] but we won't really concentrate on that too much," said Canberra and England hooker Josh Hodgson. "We just have to worry about ourselves and put into practice what we have been training on in the build up with these camps. If we do that I'm confident we'll do a good job."
Coach Steve McNamara also dismissed the favourites tag, or the idea that his side would never have a better chance to beat their Southern Hemisphere rivals.
"I didn't know that [but] I'm not interested in that," said McNamara. "We have got a really tough game in front of us...we have to work really hard and be good for long periods of time. And I am sure New Zealand are not too fussed about who is favourites or not as well. We know the task in front of us is a big one but we feel we are ready for it."
Tomorrow will be a special day for McNamara, who as a Hull native has experienced the unique atmosphere at the KC Stadium on many occasions.
"When they are on your side it's incredible...when they are against you it is pretty daunting," said McNamara of the sell-out crowd. "I've been on both sides of that and I know which side I prefer to be honest. But it will be a very special occasion tomorrow...in one of the best league stadiums in the world in my opinion. A full house and two great teams battling it out."
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