AUSTRALIA have named a 12-man training squad to prepare for this autumn's Ashes series -- they probably think that's all they'll need! writes Chris Hall

Of course that squad will more than double in size as more clubs are eliminated from the NRL play-offs. But that will only fuel the Kangaroos' infamous arrogance as the clash with the old enemy looms large.

The most frustrating aspect of this cocky, self-assured nature is that the Aussies have earned it.

But I believe Great Britain's 30 years of hurt will be the key to bringing one of sport's most dominant superpowers to its knees.

Look at it from an Australian viewpoint.

The NRL, which the best British players still find near impregnable, is still widely seen as a far stronger competition than Super League, which is flooded by ageing antipodeans who can't secure contracts back home.

Now the 'Pommies' have slipped so far back that they are less of a threat than New Zealand -- who were again mauled by Australia this summer.

So what could have changed in the two years since the Green and Golds last breezed to a series win on these shores?

Two words: salary cap.

The phrase, which still brings club chairmen out in cold sweats at three in the morning, is finally starting to reap dividends for the British game.

The stringent laws have forced Super League's big spenders to stop splashing the cash, with Wigan making drastic cost cuts this year and Widnes deserving high praise for becoming the first club to make a profit.

The result is a thriving, young, British player base for Lions coach David Waite to pick from -- and there lies our real strength.

After dominating the world stage for so long, the Australians have taken their eye off the ball.

They will know nothing of this fresh breed of British talent, which is finally being given an airing after being suffocated by the foreign legion for so long.

Players like Gareth Hock, Danny Sculthorpe, Danny McGuire, Luke Robinson, Richard Horne and Martin Aspinwall -- to name but a few -- are all worthy of a shot at the highest level and would fly into the side well under the tourists' radar to launch a suprise assault.

Britain's sudden strength in depth and genuine chance of landing a sucker punch is emphasised by the wave of renewed optimism among the British fans.

Not since our strong sides of the early '90s can I remember any international match selling out two months in advance. But Hull's Kingston Communications Stadium has proved a sound choice of venue by flogging all 25,000 tickets for the second Test.

It's in the air. The British fans have a scent for Kangaroo blood.