JODIE Cunningham has just under four weeks to prove beyond any doubts she is England’s number one.

Four years on from the last Women’s Rugby League World Cup, 25-year-old Cunningham believes she is better prepared to make her mark and fly the flag for the home town she loves.

When England open the tournament against Australia in Sydney on November 16, the former Cardinal Newman High School student wants to be in the full-back shirt giving her all for her country.

“I played in all but one of the games in 2013,” said the Village Hotels credit control employee as she reflected on the journey she has made at the top level in one of the toughest of all sports.

“I got to play in the big games against Australia and New Zealand, which is something I’ll never forget – playing against and competing against top quality sides like that was incredible.

“There’s no words that can describe playing in a World Cup and I’m so excited to get the chance to do it again.

“That one was my first, so I was trying to find my feet and get to grips with the standard you’ve got to be at to compete at this level.

“I played on the wing in the last World Cup. I fleeted about a few positions at the time, playing mostly at centre in my club competition with Thatto Heath-St Helens Ladies.

“After that tournament my club side lost our full-back and I fell into that role.

“Since then I’ve tried to make it my own and that’s where I’ve played since.

“I really feel I’ve grown as a player. My understanding of the game, my skill level and confidence has only grown since the last World Cup so I’m hoping I can put that all to the test.”

She added: “It’s now all about doing everything I can to get that starting shirt in the full-back spot.

“We’ve got training sessions with England to come but the club competition has finished now so there’s no more opportunities to show in club games.

“We’ve got England sessions leading up to when we fly out on November 10 and so it’s just a matter of proving yourself and showing you’re the right one for the position.

“The quality of the squad is amazing and whoever is selected will do a fantastic job. It’s my job to make sure I put myself in the best position to get myself selected.”