ADRIAN Morley knows one good reason why Australia are favourites for the Rugby League World Cup - coach Ricky Stuart.

The England pack ace has first-hand experience of what makes the Kangeroos chief tick, having played in the NRL for him at the all-conquering Sydney Roosters.

And he hasn't a bad word to say about his former mentor.

"Ricky is a great coach and he certainly brought out the best in me when I went to play in Australia," said Morley.

"He knows the game inside out and he can be an extremely tough taskmaster.

"Ricky can certainly crack the whip when the occasion calls for it. I really enjoyed my time in his team.

"Australia, as ever, appear extremely strong and Ricky will be very determined. He's been there and he's done it himself.

"I enjoyed his coaching methods. He can bring out the best of anyone.

"He's one of those coaches who commands respect. You find players will go the extra mile for a coach they respect and this is what I fully expect from the Aussies."

Stuart is widely acclaimed as a rugby icon and was a union international before switching codes.

He captained the 1985 Australian Schoolboys and then represented the Wallabies before turning to league in 1988 with the Canberra Raiders. As a play-making dynamic scrum-half, he made his Test debut for Australia in 1990.

In total, he won nine caps and played 14 State of Origin games for New South Wales.

He moved into coaching in 2001 when his career was brought to a halt by a serious knee injury.

Established

He teamed up with Salford-born Morley at the Roosters and they won the Grand Final and they then thrashed Super League champions St Helens 38-0 to win the World Club Challenge at Bolton.

By then, Stuart was established as one of the premier coaches in world rugby.

Morley added: "We just enjoyed so much success and it was a privilege to play for such a quality team as the Roosters.

"Ricky set goals. He knew what the players were capable of and success came our way."

Stuart was then put in charge of New South Wales, but he inherited a losing international team when he succeeded Wayne Bennett.

He goes into the World Cup however on a winning run having helped the Kangaroos retain the Tri-Nations title in 2006.

He has also coached the Cronulla Sharks. The World Cup now puts him on the biggest stage and Morley hopes to put one over his old mentor should their paths cross in the final.

Morley added: "Australia have a lot of quality players in their ranks, the usual suspects are still in there, but we look forward to what lies ahead for England.

"Our preparation has gone well, Tony Smith the coach has greatly impressed me and we have prepared for this for the past 18 months and are now ready for action."

There is also a familiar face in charge of the French, who will be led into battle by ex-Wigan boss John Monie. France are grouped with Fiji and Scotland and Monie is looking to progress.

"We would like to win our pool and then see where we go from there," he said.

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