Calderwood - set to replace Smith.
SMITH SET TO TURN TO CALDERWOOD
Winger Mark Calderwood is poised for a dramatic call-up for England’s World Cup showdown with Australia in Melbourne.
The 27-year-old is the likely replacement for his former Leeds team-mate Lee Smith, who is struggling to recover from a foot injury sustained in England’s opening 32-22 win over Papua New Guinea in Townsville.
Coach Tony Smith has not yet ruled out his namesake but he was unable to train with the squad at today’s sessions at Xavier College and hopes have faded.
“We’ll see how he is by the end of the week but he’s going to be unlikely,” said Smith.
Wingman Smith marked his full Test debut with a hat-trick of tries against the Kumuls but Calderwood would be a more than handy replacement.
He remains one of the fastest men in Super League and demonstrated superb defensive qualities on his farewell appearance for Wigan in their final eliminator at Leeds last month.
That performance clinched his place in Smith’s 24-man squad and a place in the side to take on the Kangaroos at Telstra Dome on Sunday would represent a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.
Ignored for the mid-season international against France and unable to command a regular place in Brian Noble’s Warriors team in mid-season, Calderwood faced an uncertain future after being told his contract would not be renewed.
But Hull came in with an offer of a two-year contract and, with his mind settled, Calderwood produced his best rugby of the season just at the right time.
He caught the eye in England’s warm-up match against Wales earlier this month and was close to selection for the opening game against Papua New Guinea.
Calderwood’s likely opponent at the Telstra Dome will be Brent Tate, who was taken off with slight concussion during Australia’s 30-6 win over New Zealand in Sydney on Sunday but has been cleared to play.
Calderwood could also come up against 19-year-old powerhouse centre Israel Folau, who stormed over for a brace of tries in the Kangaroos’ crushing win over the Kiwis to emphasise his growing stature in the game.
“He’s a quality player and an exciting player for the sport,” admitted Smith. “It’s a challenge we look forward to.
“We know what a quality team they are. I hope they play well and that we play better.”
Scrum-half Johnathan Thurston travelled with the Australian squad to their Melbourne base, suggesting he will play against England just a week on from the violent death of his uncle.
The North Queensland Cowboys captain defied the tragedy to produce a man-of-the-match performance against New Zealand and earn praise from all quarters.
“To do what he did was quite remarkable,” said Smith. “It shows some real quality.”
Smith has welcomed the appointment of Australian referee Tony Archer for both Sunday’s game against the defending champions and the clash with New Zealand in Newcastle on November 8.
Archer is the National Rugby League’s top-ranked referee and was in charge of last year’s Test series between Great Britain and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, England have settled into their third training base in a fortnight as they prepare for the second of up to five matches in as many weeks.
They fly north to Sydney on Monday to prepare for the meeting with the Kiwis and then move on to Brisbane a week later for the knockout stages.
It makes for a hectic schedule and “dead” time spent in airport lounges but Smith is delighted with the whistle-stop nature of the trip.
“It always keeps things fresh,” he said. “There is no chance of boredom or anyone getting stale.”
Arafat - will play for Sussex next season. 
West Indies could tour England next year. 
Kurt Gidley - ruled out. 
Jesse Ryder - scored 91. 
Collins - threw for 193 yards. 
Andy Murray - ranked number four.