JIMMY Lowes loved every minute of his time in the international set-up but is not convinced England are destined for glory in the Four Nations.

The Bulls boss assisted Tony Smith for Great Britain in 2007 and then came back on board as part of England coach Steve McNamara’s team in 2010.

It was only when Lowes took charge of rugby union side Leeds Carnegie that he had to relinquish the part-time post.

Lowes said: “I loved it and was gutted to leave. I didn’t really want to but I couldn’t do two jobs at once.

“I served round about six years all in all, under Tony and then working with Steve.

“It’s good to coach different high-class players who are very professional in what they do and how they go about their business.”

McNamara’s England open their Four Nations campaign against Samoa in Brisbane tomorrow.

Lowes believes McNamara will have left no stone unturned in his preparations, but feels that the squad is not as strong as it might have been.

Former Bulls star Sam Burgess has switched codes while James Roby, Ben Westwood and Michael McIlorum did not make the trip after end-of-season surgery.

Lowes said: “I think New Zealand have got quite a strong team and squad, but I don’t think it’s the strongest squad we have taken on a Four Nations tour.

“There are some good players but the general feel of the squad is that it’s not the strongest.

“Injuries might be a big part of that and Sam Burgess is obviously unavailable because he is going to rugby union.

“It will be tough for England but I know Steve will have the boys well prepared – it’s just whether they can perform on the international stage.”