England's rookie scrum-half Kyle Eastmond will be aiming to make a name for himself in the Gillette Four Nations final after his Australian opponent claimed not to know of him.

Johnathan Thurston caused a stir in a television interview at the International Federation awards night when he referred to the young St Helens half-back as "Kyle who?" but Eastmond insists he was not insulted by the comment.

"That's fine because I don't expect him to know who I am," said Eastmond. "It's been quite a quick rise from not playing at St Helens to starting for your country.

"I've got all the respect in the world for a player of his calibre. He's an outstanding player and it's going to be great to play against him this week."

Eastmond, who made his debut off the bench against Thurston and company in England's 26-16 defeat by the Kangaroos at Wigan a fortnight ago, has kept his place for the final as coach Tony Smith retains the side which beat New Zealand.

He will get the chance to continue his promising partnership with Wigan's Sam Tomkins and Australia captain Darren Lockyer has admitted the tourists have been doing their homework on the English 20-year-olds.

"I think Johnathan regrets that comment but, when we came over here, to be honest there were a lot of names in the squad we didn't know a lot about," said Lockyer.

"The two halves were new faces to us. But after the Wigan game, we're fully aware of what they're capable of doing. They're playing good footie.

"They're unpredictable and, playing behind a big forward pack, I'm sure those guys will be looking at the half opportunites and trying to make the most of them. They are two guys we've done some homework on this week."

Australia coach Tim Sheens is also wary of the threat posed by Eastmond, who clinched his place in the squad after an outstanding performance for St Helens in their Grand Final defeat by Leeds.
The Oldham-born utility back played at centre at Old Trafford and Sheens expect him to run at the Kangaroos defence if the England pack, so dominant against the Kiwis, can once more create some space with their go-forward.

"He had a strong game out in the centres when he came on in the second half against us," said Sheens. "He's elusive and strong so obviously his running game will be handy.

"England have got a strong offload game and a big set of forwards. If they play a lot of second phase, a kid like him at seven can be very dangerous."