GREAT Britain coach Brian Noble claims his side faces "the greatest challenge in world sport" as the Lions attempt to push aside the Sean Long saga and reach the Tri- Nations final.

The tourists meet a refreshed Australia in Brisbane on Saturday night needing victory to reach the November 25 decider at New Zealand's expense.

With half-back Long returning to the UK for "personal reasons", Noble has returned to on-field matters - and is under no illusion at the task confronting his team.

"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.

"But we are excited by that challenge. We knew that when we came."

The Lions' campaign has been thrown into disarray by the 34-4 loss to the Kiwis last weekend followed by the Long drama. But Noble believes his squad is ready to move on.

Enthusiastic

"The players are very enthusiastic, very determined and sometimes this sort of thing galvanises," he said.

Noble defended Long, who flew into Manchester Airport without commenting yesterday morning, and insisted that the St Helens star had asked to leave the tour to be with his pregnant partner.

"There are no discipline problems, no gambling problems, no football issues," Noble declared.

"It would be silly to say he hadn't had a drink, but this group have been exemplary tourists and there have been no issues in respect of alcohol and behaviour.

"What was a minor issue on the plane sometimes in these situations get blown out of all proportions. There were no complaints from the airlines and no complaints from anybody."

Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow and Richard Horne are among the contenders to take Long's spot.

Brian Carney and Sean O'Loughlin are expected to return after injuries.

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