RUGBY LEAGUE

BURGESS IS MARKED FOR BIG HIT

Fuifui Moimoi is set for big collisions against England

Tuesday November 3,2009

By Martin Richards

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THE rematch between Sam Burgess and Fuifui Moimoi should be a compelling support act to the main event when England slug it out with New Zealand for a place in the Four Nations final this weekend.

Burgess, on his debut, left Moimoi concussed after dropping him with a huge hit in the opening clash of the 2007 Test series at the Galpharm Stadium – the scene of Saturday’s showdown, which will decide who goes through to the final at Elland Road on November 14.

The Burgess bell-ringer has since become a big online success for YouTube, attracting over 300,000 views.

Saturday will be the first time the two heavyweights have met in combat since that night and although both men say they will not deliberately go looking for each other, a collision is inevitable.

“I’m not going to go after him, I’m going to do what’s best for the team,” said Moimoi. “And if he’s there, I’ll let you know. It’ll be on. He’s a good player, a big, young player, but I’m ready.”

Burgess, who will be facing Parramatta’s Moimoi in the NRL next season after signing with South Sydney, said: “Every team is looking to get that big hit on. I’ll be aware of it.”

Burgess did not shy away from the physical confrontation with Australia on Saturday, leaving Kangaroos prop Brett White dazed after one challenge in the 26-16 loss.

Talking of the hit on Moimoi, he said: “It’s just one of those freak moments, don’t be expecting it every time.”

New Zealand have doubts over centre Steve Matai (eye) and forwards Bronson Harrison and Jeff Lima (calf injuries) for Saturday.

But France coach Bobbie Goulding says the Kiwis will still be too strong for England. “New Zealand were very good – England beware,” said former Great Britain star Goulding after seeing his side steamrollered in the second half in Toulouse. “The last 20 minutes they were outstanding. It will be an Australia-New Zealand final, and those games are a 50-50 toss of a coin.”

England looked far stronger against Australia when Kyle Eastmond came on at right centre for the second half and coach Tony Smith has to decide whether to keep faith with Danny McGuire at stand-off.

Wales’ Super League club have dropped ‘Celtic’ from their name and will be just ‘Crusaders’ to coincide with their move from Bridgend to Newport.

Chief executive Mike Turner said: “We’ve been working on building a club that represents Wales and not just one area.”