Stuart is worried about challenges which are being tolerated

The opening games of the tournament have seen bruising incidents involving Great Britain's Adrian Morley and David Kidwell of New Zealand go unpunished.

"If they know they can get away with a foul, they'll keep doing it. Let's hope it doesn't end in tears," he said.

"I also hope they don't go citing people for offences that have occurred, been reviewed, and deemed legal."

I thought the Poms were unlucky not to beat New Zealand Ricky Stuart

In the second game of the tournament, Kidwell was involved in a shoulder charge which left Australia's Willie Mason concussed, and Morley escaped action for a high challenge on New Zealand captain Ruben Wiki in the opening minutes of their match on Saturday.

Morley, who plays his club rugby for Sydney Roosters, was making his return after being suspended for the last six matches of the National Rugby League season, and is now free to line up against Australia at the Aussie Stadium on Saturday.

The Lions face a tough challenge against Australia, but Stuart said he would not underestimate them despite their defeat against the Kiwis.

"I thought the Poms were unlucky not to win it," said the Kangaroos boss.

McGuire admits to NRL ambitions

"They lacked a bit of creativity in attack but that's their first real game, so they'll certainly improve for the next game against us."

The Lions fell to an 18-14 defeat in Christchurch, but Stuart thought they had performed well at Jade Stadium.

"They had a lot of great field position and just couldn't put the ball over the line," he added.

Meanwhile, Stuart has called on more British players to chance their arm in the NRL, saying it would help them to develop as players and narrow the gap at international level.

Following prop Morley's return to Warrington next season after five years with the Roosters, winger Brian Carney and Richie Mathers will be the only British or Irish players on duty in the NRL next season.

They will both play for new NRL franchise Gold Coast Titans next season, Carney having just completed a promising season with Newcastle Knights.

There's a number of players in the Great Britain squad that would do very well in the NRL Ricky Stuart

"I won't go singling out individuals, but I think there's a number of players in the Great Britain squad that would do very well in the NRL," said Stuart.

"They'd become better footballers very quickly and they certainly have the ability to handle the NRL, going on what I saw against New Zealand.

"I think there's some players there that it would be great for their careers.

"If they become better players then it's going to benefit international footy two-fold."