Monday 24 October 2016 17:59, UK
Wayne Bennett insists he is happy coaching England after side-stepping questions over whether he would like to win back the Australia job.
Bennett accepted a long-standing offer from the Rugby Football League (RFL) at the start of the year after losing out to Mal Meninga for the Kangaroos role, and made a winning start as England boss against France in Avignon on Saturday.
Meninga stoked the controversy on his arrival in England last week ahead of the Ladbrokes Four Nations Series, by claiming Bennett wants his job.
But Bennett played that down at Monday's news conference at Anfield, the venue for the November 20 final.
"I'm very happy with the English job right now," said Bennett, who has twice been Australia's head coach.
"I'm happy with the decision I made, I'm enjoying working with the team, they're a great group of blokes."
The RFL is hoping the arrival of Bennett, along with the appointment of Sam Burgess as captain on his return to rugby league, can prove the catalyst for a first series triumph for the national team for 44 years.
Bennett has refused to make any bold predictions but admits he was encouraged by his side's performance in their 40-6 win against France and likes what he has seen so far from his Super League-based contingent.
"I haven't thought too much about winning the tournament," he added. "I like what I've seen.
"They've got a good attitude, they work hard and they're well versed in the skills of the game, particularly the guys that play in the Super League over here.
"There's eight Australian-based players but there's not a great disparity between the groups.
"We played some pretty fair football in France on Saturday. We're in a pretty good place at the moment. The real test is to come in the next couple of weeks but I'm happy with where we're at."
Meninga, who has a perfect record from his two matches since he succeeded Tim Sheens in the Kangaroos job, welcomed England's appointment of Bennett, arguing it will benefit the global game.
"We want to see international rugby league back to where it used to be and having Wayne involved enhances that," said Meninga.
"He'll add to the Four Nations and the World Cup next year."
