YORK Wasps' new coach Leo Epifania has received a glowing reference from a true rugby league legend.

A number of Australian greats were in York this week preparing for the second and final "International Legends of League" match against a Great Britain select XIII at Headingley.

And among them was John Cartwright, regarded as one of the best-ever loose forwards in the world, who had words of praise for Epifania.

"I played against him in Sydney quite a few times and I ran into him just before he went over to England to take the job. He was looking forward to the challenge," Cartwright told the Evening Press.

"He played a lot of first grade and he's had a fair bit of coaching experience in the second tier in Australia and had a fair bit of success. He also played for some time in France.

"He's got all the credentials to do a good job. He had success back home as a coach and was a successful player at the highest national level."

The Legends series - running alongside the Ashes Test series - features the likes of Mal Meninga, Steve Ella, Cliff Lyons, Paul Sironen and Cartwright on the Aussie side, with Andy Gregory, Steve Hampson, Garry Schofield and former York Wasps coach Lee Crooks included in Britain's line-up.

Crooks kicked the equalising points in the 28-28 draw at Widnes last Saturday, setting the series up nicely for tomorrow's decisive second encounter.

Cartwright said: "They (GB) jumped out of the blocks and took a big lead but we came back well and would have won but for their late try and conversion.

"It was very competitive and I would say this next one will be even more so."

This Legends series sees 13 greats line up against each other, with lucky players from amateur clubs picked as substitutes, getting the chance to come on and play on the same pitch as their heroes.

Cartwright added: "The tour has been a lot of fun. Hopefully it will be seen as a success and we can do this for a few years to come."

Of the Ashes series, which continues tonight with the second Guinness Test between Britain and Australia at Bolton's Reebok Stadium (kick off 7pm), he said: "Britain were too good for us in the first one, and this will be a good test for our fellas.

"I think we will win it, which will make for a great third Test next week. Australia were a bit rusty but they were still right in the match and I think they will be better in these next two games."

The deciding Legends Series match kicks off at 3pm tomorrow, at Headingley in Leeds. For tickets, telephone 0113 278 6181.

Updated: 11:28 Saturday, November 17, 2001