Bennett issues Austin backing

Great Britain coach Wayne Bennett feels Blake Austin can fill in on the wing ahead of the Lions’ second Test with New Zealand. Having lost the likes of Ryan Hall, Oliver Gildart, Zak Hardaker and Joe Philbin to injury ahead of Saturday’s game, Bennett has paid the price for selecting six half-backs in his original 24-man squad and only two wingers and a single recognised centre. Although Ash Handley has been called out to join the squad Down Under, the Leeds Rhinos star won’t arrive in time for the second encounter against the Kiwis this weekend. Bennett has been forced to utilise Warrington Wolves stand-off Austin on the wing for his Lions debut and the coach feels the playmaker has the ability to play in the wide channels. “He’s a football player, one of those guys who can play any position, so I’m confident and he’s confident,” Bennett said. “He’s done everything right in training. It’s a good challenge, It’s not something I’m worried about.”