BIG Eorl Crabtree believes England will need to be at their very best to beat Tonga in Sunday's Federation Shield final at Widnes (3.30).
The Huddersfield Giants prop is expected to be in the starting line-up for this weekend's clash after being on the bench in the 38-14 victory over Samoa five days ago.
He did, however, start the week before when England beat the Tongans 40-18 at the Stoop.
Although the margin of the win that day looked impressive, the English were made to work hard to guarantee success.
And Crabtree, above, is braced for an even harder test this time around, especially after their opponents won 48-10 in France last weekend.
"That victory in France may have taken some by surprise," said the 24-year-old.
"But I can assure you, there would have been no fluke about it.
"France will have been the more skilful side, but they wouldn't have been able to match Tonga on the physical front, and that would have been the difference.
"I can safely say Tonga are the most physical side I have ever faced.
"I played for England against New Zealand last year, and they are tough, but these Tongans are even tougher.
"If you are not at your best they have the players capable of making you pay.
"So we have to make sure we are all at the very top of our game.
"If not, we could be in trouble.
"But we're confident we can do the job.
"We've all had a fantastic time together in this England squad and we want to make sure we sign off in style on Sunday."
* The Tongan's love affair with Huddersfield - tomorrow.
