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Josh Hodgson: Set to miss final through injury
Josh Hodgson: Set to miss final through injury

Rugby League World Cup: Josh Hodgson an injury doubt for final v Australia


England will almost certainly go into the Rugby League World Cup final without hooker Josh Hodgson.

The Canberra Raiders star departed England's 20-18 semi-final win over Tonga on Saturday with a knee injury after just 23 minutes.

Coach Wayne Bennett said after the match he was a major doubt for next Saturday's clash with Australia in Brisbane.

"I'm not sure what's going on there," Bennett said. "I don't think he'll be right to play next week. You don't normally limp off like that and play next week."

Bennett added his captain Sean O'Loughlin is also in some doubt after picking up a quad strain.

England do at least have James Roby waiting on the sidelines to replace Hodgson at hooker. The St Helens man has impressed during his appearances at the tournament.

Meanwhile, Bennett has admitted his side are "probably not" playing well enough to stop the Australia juggernaut. The Kangaroos thrashed Fiji 54-6 in Friday's other semi-final and have looked ruthless throughout the competition thus far.

Asked if they were playing well enough to win the final, Bennett said: "Probably not, but we'll be there next week, we'll still go to the game."

The hosts are just 1/8 to lift the trophy with England 5/1 shots with Sky Bet. England, beaten 18-4 by the Kangaroos in the group stage, are given a 16-point start on the handicap.

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