SOUTHEND Sharks are hoping England’s success in the Rugby League World Cup will lead to more players taking up the sport closer to home.

England face Australia in a tough-looking final this weekend.

And Sharks’ club secretary Matthew Tisi wants the knock-on effect to boost the Warners Bridge based side ahead of their first competitive season.

“We’re really keen to spread the message,” said Tisi.

“Union is the sport around here but we want to let people know we’re here playing Rugby League and if England’s success in the World Cup can help with that then that would be great.

“We will start pre-season training in January and we’re looking forward to our first ever season in the league.

“It starts in May and anyone is welcome to come down and join us.”

Sharks were first formed in March but were unable to take part in the league this term.

However, they won five of their six cup games and Tisi has been pleased with the number of players showing an interest in playing.

“We had about 30 people down to training and a lot of guys want to give it a go which is great to see,” said Tisi.

“We give another rugby alternative in the summer and it’s good fun too.

“It’s good for fitness and we have a wide range of abilities joining in.

“We have people from Southend’s first team and others come down who have never played rugby before. But we’re a big group of mates so there’s a good atmosphere and those coming down are made to feel very welcome.”

However, Tisi had found Rugby League very different to union.

“It’s a very different skill set from union,” said Tisi.

“It’s much faster and there’s more emphasis on running play, defence and skilful kicking. There’s less specialism in the scrum and the forwards have to be much fitter and better ball handlers.

“But it means you can play rugby all year round one way or another.”

Games at the highest level are also entertaining to watch and that is likely to again be the case when England face Australia in the World Cup final tomorrow.

But Tisi believes Australia will be tough to beat.

“Australia are favourites for the final but I think it will be close,” said Tisi.

“England will be underdogs but they have some of the best players in the world so who knows what might happen. We all went to the last World Cup and England were unlucky not to get to the final so it’s great they’ve got there this time. There have been a few upsets this year and hopefully there can be another one in the final.”

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