HULL KR :Briscoe – Fox can be our key man (Video)

SHAUN Briscoe believes Hull KR team-mate Peter Fox could be England's match-winner against Australia in Saturday's Four Nations final.

Fox, who was dropped for the first two games against France and Australia, scored twice as England booked their place in the final with a 20-12 success over New Zealand on Saturday.

And impressed by the way Fox has handled himself over the last month, Briscoe expects him to produce a big game against Australia.

"He can be the match-winner," Briscoe told the Mail.

"Peter was very disappointed not to have played in the two previous weeks but he took his chance against New Zealand.

"He took his two tries very well and it was deserved for the work he has put in.

"For any youngster wanting to do well in the game, Peter is an example that hard work pays dividends.

"He's paid to score tries and he's strong and quick. The key for any winger is the ability to finish tries off and he can do that.

"He can be the difference against Australia on Saturday night."

Tim Sheens' side will start the final as favourites, but Briscoe insists that will count for nothing come kick-off at Elland Road.

Australia's recent record in finals offers England some hope, as last year they were overwhelming favourites to win the World Cup final, but New Zealand surprised them with a 34-20 win.

And in 2005 Australia had been expected to win the Tri-Nations with a win over the Kiwis, but New Zealand surprised them with a 24-0 victory.

"The Kiwis have shown that Australia can be beaten in major finals and we have to take that encouragement into the final with us," said Briscoe.

"An England win over Australia is long overdue. Saturday is going to be a great occasion.

"It's a case of training hard this week and making sure I'm selected.

"We are building momentum and we are quietly confident in our own ability.

"I'm really looking forward to it and it will be a great honour to play in the final."

Australia have already beaten England in this tournament thanks to a breath-taking first half at the DW Stadium.

The Australians led 26-0 at the break before withstanding a second half fightback from England who scored 16 unanswered points.

And Briscoe is confident England can carry on where they left off against the Aussies.

"I think we showed in that second half that we can beat Australia," said Briscoe.

"We started poorly against France but we got the win and while the first half against Australia wasn't great, we came back strongly in the second half.

"We showed against New Zealand that we can do it for 80 minutes."