Bradford Bulls' pacey forward Jamie Peacock has the chance to stake a claim for a place in England's Lincoln World Cup quarter-final team when he runs out against Fiji in today's final group one match at Headingley.
Peacock, 22, who is Leeds born and bred, had a phenomenal Super League season with the Bulls and was unfortunate to miss selection for England's opening match against Australia, but impressed on his debut in Wednesday's record 76-4 win over Russia.
In fact, Peacock was chosen by his team-mates as their player of the match and is one of just five players to keep their places as coach John Kear continues to try all his permutations ahead of a possible last-eight clash with Ireland.
Kear's second-row choice was restricted to some extent by injury and illness, with Mike Forshaw laid low by a chest infection and Adrian Morley and Paul Sculthorpe still nursing injuries.
Forshaw attended hospital in Wigan as a precaution and has been told by the England management to stay at home over the weekend.
He is expected to be available for the quarter-final at Headingley next Saturday, as is Morley (back) and prop Darren Fleary, who has a ''dead leg'', but there are continuing concerns over Sculthorpe and winger Leon Pryce.
Pryce dislocated a shoulder on Wednesday and Sculthorpe has yet to play in the World Cup after pulling a hamstring in England's practice match against the United States, although neither has yet been ruled out of the tournament.
Indeed, the news on Pryce was more encouraging yesterday, with England manager David Howes saying: ''It's not as bad as was first feared and he could be back for the quarter-finals.
''He is going to Bradford hospital for further checks which will determine his recovery period but the shoulder is no longer in a harness and he is happy in himself.''
The most interesting selection is that of stand-off Tony Smith at hooker, with Paul Rowley rested, while skipper Andy Farrell reverts to loose forward after playing the first half against Russia at stand-off.
Significantly, Kear plans to start with the half-back pairing that finished so impressively against the Russians, with Man of Steel Sean Long in harness with Bradford scrum-half Paul Deacon.
A point against Fiji would be enough to book England's place in the knockout stages but another handsome win would provide a psychological lift.
''There is a double incentive,'' said Howes. ''We need to beat Fiji to qualify and John (Kear) will have a look at different combinations in key positions. Places are still up for grabs.''
Fiji coach Don Furner has been pleased with his team's performances so far but is expecting a tough game with the tournament's third favourites.
He said: ''England have very good professional players. Their options when they have the ball make them a better side than most others.
''They take the right option more often because they are highly-paid players.''
England: Spruce (Bradford); Wellens (St Helens), Naylor (Bradford), Radlinski (Wigan), Rogers (Castleford); Long (St Helens), Deacon (Bradford); Stephenson (Wigan), Smith (Hull), Anderson (Bradford), Peacock (Bradford), Hay (Leeds), Farrell (Wigan, capt).
Substitutes: Sinfield (Leeds), Walker (Leeds), Fielden (Bradford), Howard (Brisbane).
l The sponsors of the Welsh rugby league team are threatening legal action after they were thrown out of Stradey Park following a row over their internet coverage.
Popular website Sportal are 'collar' sponsors of the Welsh, Irish and Scottish sides in the 16-team competition and have sent reporters to every game so far.
However, rugby league chiefs have become concerned about the company's claim that they are providing 'live commentary' from games, as Sportal are not the official World Cup website and are providing a text-only service.
Officials forced the company to make these facts clear in their advertisements before allowing them entry into the clash between England and Russia at St Helens.
But even that wasn't enough and when Sportal's representative arrived at the home of Llanelli RFC he was told that unless the organisation made further changes to their site, he would be refused entry.
As Sportal refused to back down, their reporter instead paid his way into the stadium.
''I suppose you could say the World Cup organisers gained financially from their actions,'' observed Sportal's head of sport Stephen Nuttall.
Attendances at the competition have generally been pitiful, with Thursday's clash attracting less than 1,500 fans.
And Nuttall feels the treatment of his company is another example of mis-management within the game.
''We are consulting our lawyers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article