Rugby league World Cup final: the key players for Australia and England

Australia

Cameron Smith Winner of the 2017 Golden Boot award, the NRL’s Dally M award this year and with the second most Test caps ever for Australia, Cameron Smith stands alone in the rugby league world. He has won more gold in his trophy-laden career than sits in Fort Knox and as captain he is the main man that makes the Kangaroos tick. The veteran hooker has no equal in his position and is simply the best player on the planet.

Billy Slater One part of Melbourne Storm’s ‘Big Three’ along with Smith and Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater is the threat at the back. The pacy full-back has returned from two years out of the game with injury refreshed and reinvigorated, ready to be England’s nemesis once more. He might be 34 but remains a dangerous try-scorer and try-creator. Like Smith, Slater is one of the finest ever to lace on a boot and play the 13-man code.

Cooper Cronk Half-back Cooper Cronk has taken a starring role in this star-studded Australian side with the absence of regular halves partner Jonathan Thurston. Combining with Slater and Smith, Cronk possesses a telekinetic understanding with the pair that makes the green and gold spine so magical. An organiser and a thinker, it is not just his ball-running or kicking game that is lethal, but his support play and determination to compete on every play.

David Klemmer Only 23 but David Klemmer is the individual who provides most of Australia’s go-forward. At 198cm and 120kg he is a man-mountain who loves to intimidate the opposition and skittle defenders with his carries. An enforcer and forward-leader, Klemmer had a running battle with England star Sam Burgess in the Four Nations last year. The prop has recently developed a passing game and offloading ability that has made him an even greater danger.

Boyd Cordner The captain of New South Wales and a growing force in the green and gold. Boyd Cordner was part of the Aussie squad that won the 2013 World Cup and has now become a senior member of the team. A second-rower of size and strength, it is Cordner’s ability to run lines and slip through gaps off his halves that allows him to wreak havoc. The 25-year’s old work-rate and defensive capabilities are another element that can’t be ignored. John Davidson

England

Sam Burgess The 28-year-old may not yet have hit the heights he did during the last Rugby League World Cup this time around, but Burgess is renowned for thriving in the big occasion. The captain’s armband will only serve as further motivation too following Sean O’Loughlin’s withdrawal due to injury. Burgess is perhaps the epitome of a rugby league talisman - and without their captain, England will be relying on Slammin’ Sam’s heroics more than ever before on Saturday.

Luke Gale Super League’s Man of Steel enjoyed a impressive year at club level with Castleford, and while that magnificent form is yet to be replicated for his country at the World Cup, the scrum-half has shown glimpses of improvement as the tournament has progressed. His partnership with Kevin Brown will be crucial in giving England any chance of victory against the reigning world champions in Brisbane on Saturday.

James Graham The battle between both sides’ forwards promises to be a mouthwatering one, and England’s pack enforcer will likely be front and centre of any battle which ensues. For over a decade, Graham has led England’s forward pack with style and gusto, and as his country’s most-capped player, he brings a wealth of experience - not least from his time playing in the NRL with Canterbury – which will be vital against the reigning world champions this weekend.

Jermaine McGillvary From working in a B&Q warehouse to being dubbed the world’s best winger in little over a decade: it has been a phenomenal rise to the top of world rugby league for the Huddersfield wing. The 29-year-old’s try-scoring exploits – he has scored seven in England’s five games so far – have perhaps been overshadowed by his opposite number this weekend, Valentine Holmes, who has 12 for the Kangaroos: but McGillvary is a real dangerman for England.

James Roby The loss of a player of Josh Hodgson’s ability to injury would ordinarily be a significant blow, but England have a worthy replacement in James Roby. There is perhaps an argument to suggest Roby is currently the second-best hooker in world rugby league – the St Helens star only behind Australian counterpart, the Kangaroos captain, Cameron Smith, in the rankings. His battle with Smith looks like one of the most important of the entire final. Aaron Bower