England coach Steve McNamara’s experience will provide Roosters with an edge in the WCC

ENGLAND coach Steve McNamara is plotting against the very players he guided and mentored during league’s recent World Cup.

HE is the England coach now plotting against the very players he guided and mentored during rugby league’s recent World Cup.

Steve McNamara has suddenly become a key element in Saturday night’s World Club Challenge between Sydney Roosters and Wigan at Allianz Stadium.

McNamara remains the Pommy national coach – but is also a Sydney Roosters assistant coach.

He knows the styles, weaknesses and strengths of every Wigan player, particularly the club’s English players Josh Charnley, Liam Farrell, Michael McIllorum and Sean O’Loughlin.

News_Image_File: Roosters Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Boyd Cordner and Anthony Minichiello and Warriors Michael McIlorum, Matty Smith and Matt Bowen pose with the World Club Challenge trophy.

And no doubt McNamara will be put to good use by Roosters head coach Trent Robinson.

McNamara was saying little yesterday but Robinson said: “It is a unique situation…the fact we won the comp and he is the England coach.

“It is a good mix – the England coach and Sydney Roosters assistant coach. The way it has fallen is a topic of conversation.

“Steve is a great coach and a man of integrity. He brings character to the staff and technically he is second-to-none.

“Everyone enjoys being around him – that is why we went across the world to get him.’’

Robinson said his side was ready throw everything at Wigan, who will field a big forward pack.

The Roosters will send out a first-class team and should overpower their English rivals. Showers predicted for Saturday will though benefit Wigan.

“We are really keen to win,’’ Robinson said. “We have had a shortened preparation but have prepared well physically at training.

“We are taking it seriously – we value the World Club Challenge.’’

O’Loughlin was desperate for his side to compete at the highest level.

News_Rich_Media: Dragons fullback Josh Dugan has set his sights on regaining his place in NSW's State of Origin side this season.

He told the English media: “There aren’t many players that get the chance to play in a World Club Challenge so, when it’s over in Australia, it’s definitely makes it memorable and more special to be involved in.

“Their team (the Roosters) is littered with world-class players, players who play for Australia and New Zealand. One to 17 they are all world-class players, so we know we’re not thinking we’re going to get an easy ride.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game. I think if we can go there and put in a good account of ourselves and play to somewhere near where we were at the end of the year, then we’ve got a chance.”

News_Rich_Media: Paul Kent and Ben Ikin from NRL 360 give their verdict on the St George Illawarra Dragons' chances in 2014.

A crowd of 35,000 is expected at Allianz Stadium while about 16,000 is tipped to watch the annual Charity Shield game between St George Illawarra and Souths on Saturday afternoon at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.

Souths and St George Illawarra are both fielding hot sides.