I'LL BE A FLYING FOX TO KO KIWIS

ABOVE: Peter Fox is back for the game of his life

PETER FOX will be hunting the win that could secure Tony Smith’s future as England coach

The Hull KR flier, recalled to the side after being overlooked for the first two games of the Four Nations, knows how much beating New Zealand at Huddersfield tonight to reach next weekend’s final will mean for England’s credibility.

The Kiwis ended England’s miserable World Cup campaign this time last year with a 33-22 semi-final win in Brisbane. And defeat tonight won’t represent progress for Smith, whose contract runs out at the end of the month.

“This will be the biggest game of my life and I hope I can rise to the occasion,” said Fox, who forms a new right-wing pairing with Warrington’s Chris Bridge.

Fox was replaced by Hull’s Tom Briscoe against France and Australia. Briscoe hadn’t even been in the original squad but was drafted in after the withdrawal of Sean O’Loughlin.

“I was shattered but it only lasted a day and I soon got over it,” said Fox. “I had good support from the England backroom staff. I didn’t want to walk around with a chip on my shoulder.

“I knuckled down and trained hard in the hope that I would get another shot. That shot has come round and I’m raring to go.

“This is a 24-man squad and we all have to come together whether we are playing or not. That way it gives us a better chance of winning the tournament.”

Fox is looking forward to linking up with Bridge as England look to build on the second-half display last Saturday when they kept Australia scoreless and bagged three tries of their own.

“After playing against him I know what Chris can do. He’s very tough to defend against, has a great outside step and can put his winger in,” added Fox.

“Hopefully we can work together well, especially on defence. That’s going to be our biggest test because New Zealand are going to throw a lot at us down that left-hand side.

“The Kiwis have a very strong squad. They are not world champ-ions for nothing but we have the ability to beat them.”

England skipper Jamie Peacock said: “We want to get to the final but it’s not going to be the be-all and end-all and the death of British rugby league if we don’t.

“You look at the average age of the squad and a lot of them are going to be in the 2013 World Cup.

“New Zealand have shown a great attitude. They are missing some big names but the guys who have come in are doing a great job.”

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