Slater sure Hayne combo can work - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Slater sure Hayne combo can work

By Steve Jancetic 30/10/2009 08:44:43 PM Comments (0)

Australian No.1 Billy Slater believes he and fullback rival Jarryd Hayne can co-exist in the same side, putting their joint struggles in the Kangaroos' Four Nations opener down to a lack of preparation.

Slater has been retained at the back with Hayne again on the wing for Saturday's clash with England in Wigan, the pair adamant they can form an explosive combination in green and gold.

Coach Tim Sheens said he would not swap them during the game, but admitted he had devised plans to get the duo more involved in attack.

"I think it's more about preparing well and playing to the best of our ability," Slater said.

"It doesn't matter where we play on the field, we're all capable of getting ourselves involved in the game and we probably didn't do that to our best on the weekend.

"Even with Brett Morris as well, they've both got speed and they're not small lads.

"It's very important to use that to our advantage. We've got a fair bit of pace out wide and if we can help the forwards getting on the front foot early, that's going to help us.

"It's probably more in their territory that we need to do those structured plays that we probably lacked a little bit."

The Australians failed to put up even one high ball for Hayne's wing in the 20-20 draw with the Kiwis, but with the Parramatta sensation on one edge and the likes of Greg Inglis lurking out wide on the other, England wingers Ryan Hall and Tom Briscoe can expect an aerial bombardment at DW Stadium.

Hayne said his experiences during this year's Origin series, when he was just about NSW's best when selected on the wing with Blues skipper Kurt Gidley at fullback, proved he could make an impact from out wide.

"There were times during the (New Zealand) game when I was coming in and I was next to him (Slater) and tipping him up that I was next to him," Hayne said.

"A similar thing happened in Origin with Gids.

"Everyone was asking the same questions ... the same thing happened and it worked well. I'm comfortable playing on the wing."

Having shifted base to Wigan, the Australians had their final training run of the week at DW Stadium on Friday, with Sheens confirming Trent Waterhouse and Gidley would drop off the extended bench.

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