HULL KR: Fox ready for biggest test

HULL KR winger Peter Fox insists he's ready to help England book their place in the final of the Four Nations, in what will be the biggest game of his career.

Fox, who turned 25 yesterday, has yet to play in the tournament after sitting out the 34-12 win over France and last weekend's 26-16 defeat to Australia.

The waiting in the wings has made him more determined to take his chance tomorrow against New Zealand in a game that will determine who will face Australia in the final.

Both countries need to win to assure themselves a place in next weekend's final at Elland Road and Fox is ready for the challenge.

"I've had two weeks of disappointment so this is a good turnaround for me," Fox told the Mail.

"I couldn't have wished for a better birthday present.

"Tony has shown faith in me and I intend to repay him with a good performance against New Zealand on Saturday.

"I've been ready for this call and I've kept my head down and trained really hard in case I was called upon.

"This is the biggest game of my career and I have a chance of helping England reach the final of a major competition.

"I'm confident I can rise to that challenge."

Fox is one of three changes made to England's right hand side that were ripped apart by Australia last weekend.

Leeds pair Danny McGuire and Lee Smith have been dropped along with Hull's Tom Briscoe, who was replaced at the break with England trailing 26-0.

During their time in the England squad, Fox and Briscoe have developed a good friendship and in disappointing times, one has been there for the other.

"I feel sorry for Tom in this disappointing time," said Fox.

"Tom will bounce back from this.

"There's been no bitterness between us and we've helped each other out.

"I've been there to offer him advice before games and I expect him to offer me some before this game.

"Our right hand side took a bit of a beating but I'm confident we can restore pride tomorrow.

"We know where we went wrong against Australia and Chris Bridge and I know what we have to do to fine tune things."

Fox and full-back Shaun Briscoe will become the first Rovers pair to play for England in a major tournament for 23 years.

The last two KR players to achieve the feat were Chris Burton and David Watkinson, who were members of the Great Britain team which lost 24-15 to Australia at Wigan in 1986.