Waite relishes Aussie challenge

Brad Fittler has been praised for changing his mind

Great Britain coach David Waite paid tribute to Australia skipper Brad Fittler as he looked forward to the rescheduled Ashes tour.

It looks likely that Australia will bring a virtually full-strength squad for the three Tests next month.

Several players have yet to be contacted by Australian officials, but it appears that Brisbane Broncos prop Shane Webcke is the only member of the squad who will refuse to travel.

The fact that Fittler's been courageous enough to change his mind means you have to pay tribute to him

Maurice Lindsay

And Waite gave the credit for his compatriots' reversal of their original decision to the Kangaroos captain.

"Fittler's a champion player and has had the strength of character to come out the way he did," said Waite.

"It's indicative of the sort of character he is. He's a very strong man and a very good player.

"It makes the contest real and pure, a full-strength side against a full-strength side and that's what it should be. That's what the rugby league public want to see."

Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay, who led the lobbying for the reinstatement of the Ashes series, also backed Fittler.

This was despite comments the Australian made last week about the threat of water contamination in England.

"You might not agree with what he said but the fact that he's been courageous enough to change his mind means you have to pay tribute to him," said Lindsay.

"We should welcome him now."

Shane Webcke remains a doubt for the tour

Waite confirmed that, as the Australians' warm-up matches with club sides have been cancelled, he will announce the Great Britain squad on Thursday, rather than next Monday.

Great Britain play France in a warm-up Test in Agen on Friday week, while Australia will have gone five weeks without playing by the time of the first Test on 11 November.

"I don't think it's going to interrupt them at all," said Waite. "The turmoil of the last six or seven days will bring a strengthening of the resolve of the side.

"Their preparation technically won't be any different. They've had their major camp for the tour and they just have to play now.

"If they choose to play an extra game, which I think they may do, it's a bonus for us because we get another look at them other than the game against Papua New Guniea."