Britain to get better says Long

Scrum-half Sean Long says Great Britain can only improve after yet another painful defeat by Australia.

The Kangaroos broke British hearts with a last-minute try in Manchester to book their place in the Tri-Nations final.

"All the lads are pretty disappointed because we had a chance to win it but it's our first game of a long competition," said Long.

"We have had a chat and said we have only been together two weeks so we're only going to get better."

Just 33 seconds remained when Australia's left-winger Luke Rooney went over to break the deadlock and secure a 12-8 victory for the visitors.

"For a first game together, I thought we did well and we've got to take the positives out of it," added Long.

"They did the damage in the last five minutes of each half but we'll learn from that."

Despite the loss, Long heaped praise on his pack which was more than a match for its Australian counterpart.

"It's different for me at St Helens where we've only got one or two taking it forward.

"Here I've got five forwards plus Scully taking it up, which makes my job a lot easier."

Britain need to win two of their remaining three matches if they are to join Australia in the final at Elland Road.