The Kangaroos have arrived in Leeds determined to put their Four Nations rugby league hopes back on track when they face hosts England in Wigan on Saturday.

The Australians put a berth in the final in jeopardy with only a 20-20 draw against New Zealand in their opening match of the campaign in London on Saturday night.

There were a few sore and sorry boys as the team boarded the bus for the four hour drive north out of the English capital on Sunday morning, the Kiwis having done their best to belt Australia out of the contest in a brutal encounter.

While happy to give the Kiwis credit for a powerful performance, the Australians believe their lack of a lead-up match may have been the problem; New Zealand having played Tonga in a pre-tournament warm-up.

On the other hand prop Petero Civonivceva's last game was in Queensland's State of Origin II win in Sydney back in June, while the likes of Johnathan Thurston's only game since the start of the final series was the Prime Minister's XIII game in Papua New Guinea last month.

"I think we'll be better for the game and so will the team," Thurston said.

"It's a little bit disappointing not to get the win against the Kiwis but we're probably happy we got a point out of it."

Despite the bumps and bruises all 24 members of the squad will be available for selection against England, a match the Kangaroos must win if they are to keep alive their bid to play in the November 14 final in Leeds.

England will qualify for the final if they beat Australia at DW Stadium.

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