Rugby League: Britain coach Brian Noble is hoping his side can push aside the Sean Long saga and reach the Tri-Nations final. The tourists meet a refreshed Australia in Brisbane on Saturday and need victory to reach the decider at New Zealand's expense.

With half-back Long leaving for "personal reasons", Noble has returned to on-field matters.

"I think we've got the toughest challenge in world sport in respect of preparation time, in respect of five Tests matches against the best opposition in the world on the bounce," Noble said of back-to-back Tests against New Zealand and Australia.