Historically in English rugby league there are no shortage of instances of chest‑beating and confidence that brighter times lie ahead following defeat by Australia – but this time, despite losing a World Cup final, it was hard not to feel genuinely encouraged.
There is nothing too satisfying in being plucky losers again. But as the players head home from a gruelling six weeks and the end of a season which, for some, began last December, there is a golden opportunity for the game in England to build on a performance which shows the gap behind the Kangaroos has been bridged somewhat.
Related: When the pain of defeat subsides England have much to be proud about | Aaron Bower
Continue reading...