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Page last updated at 14:11 GMT, Monday, 21 September 2009 15:11 UK

Smith happy with more preparation

Tony Smith
Smith formerly coached at Leeds and Huddersfield

England head coach Tony Smith believes the extra time he has to prepare for the Four Nations will be beneficial.

With club side Warrington failing to make the Super League play-offs Smith, has been able to switch to his England role quicker than originally planned.

"This gives me time to really look closely at the guys involved in the play-offs, which is a very good thing," Smith to the BBC's Super league Show.

England play France in October before facing Australia and New Zealand.

Smith said: "Obviously I'd have liked to be still been involved in the play-offs, but that's not to be.

"It does give me the chance to get my feet under the table a little bit quicker.

"It gives me more time to spend with the players who have not made the finals and who will be involved in our fall-out programme. So I think it will be very beneficial."



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