MIKE Cooper has missed out on selection for Saturday's Four Nations opener against Samoa but he has no doubts about the area in which England need to shine if they are to succeed in this tournament.

The 26-year-old Warringtonian prop forward, who left Wolves to follow his dream of playing in the Australian NRL competition with St George Illawarra Dragons this year, is in the senior England squad for the first time.

"I think we're capable of going all the way in this tournament," said the ex-Latchford Albion amateur and former student at Bridgewater High School who figured in all but one of Dragons' 2014 matches.

"We've got to beat our opponents in the forwards, then Gaz Widdop, the other half backs and outside backs can guide us round and get us some points.

"You only have to look at this year's NRL Grand Final between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury Bulldogs being dominated by English forwards.

"Unfortunately Sam Burgess is not involved, but his brothers Tom and George were the stand-outs with him for Souths, while James Graham was the same for Canterbury and is the front rower of the year for the NRL.

"And then there's Chris Hill, who I've said for a long time is one of the best front rowers in the world and proved that in the World Cup last autumn.

"It's all competition for me but certainly I think the other teams will be doing a lot of video studying and a lot of talk about how strong how forward pack is going to be."

The forwards will hit a hurdle on Saturday too.

Cooper said: "It will be difficult at 4pm (7am UK time) in Brisbane. It will probably be 30 degrees-plus heat for the players.

"It might cause the Samoans more trouble than us though because they're such a big team."

Cooper's knowledge of NRL players, who pack all three rival squads, will be of benefit to the England squad.

"With the games being played over here rather than in England, they will probably be refereed a little bit differently so I can help with that," he said.

"And I can advise the England-based lads about players they'll come up against - certain traits, habits, where we can get them and cause them some trouble.

"I'll be a positive impact around the camp and I'll help to tip teammates off the best I can."