World Cup call-up for Calderwood?

Winger Mark Calderwood looks set to join England in their Rugby League World Cup showdown with Australia in Melbourne.

The 27-year-old is the likely replacement for his former Leeds team-mate Lee Smith, who is struggling to recover from a foot injury sustained in England's opening 32-22 win over Papua New Guinea in Townsville.

Coach Tony Smith has not yet ruled out Smith for Sunday's game, but he was unable to train with the squad at their last training session.

"We'll see how he is by the end of the week but he's going to be unlikely," said Smith.

Wingman Smith marked his full Test debut with a hat-trick of tries against the Kumuls but Calderwood would be a more than handy replacement.

He remains one of the fastest men in Super League and demonstrated superb defensive qualities on his farewell appearance for Wigan in their final eliminator at Leeds last month.

That performance clinched his place in Smith's 24-man squad and a place in the side to take on the Kangaroos at Telstra Dome would represent a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.

Ignored for the mid-season international against France and unable to command a regular place in Brian Noble's Wigan Warriors team in mid-season, Calderwood faced an uncertain future after being told his contract would not be renewed.

But Hull came in with an offer of a two-year contract and, with his mind settled, Calderwood produced his best rugby of the season just at the right time.

He caught the eye in England's warm-up match against Wales earlier this month and was close to selection for the opening game against Papua New Guinea.

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