The St Helens' last line of defence has been largely unchallenged as the first-choice full-back for Great Britain since succeeding Wigan's Kris Radlinski in 2001 but he is facing competition for the role in England's World Cup campaign which starts this weekend.

Wellens was outplayed by Lee Smith in Saints' Grand Final defeat by Leeds Rhinos and Bradford's versatile Paul Sykes is also putting pressure on the 2006 Man of Steel for the number one jersey.

''The competition doesn't bother me,'' he said. ''They're both great players and fully deserve their place in the squad on their performances.

''It's beneficial for me to have players breathing down my neck and wanting my position. It will hopefully bring out the best in me. I'm enjoying working with those guys.

''My form has been okay but I have plenty to improve on. The (St Helens) team success has been fantastic and I've played my part in that.

''Maybe I haven't lived up to the standards of the last two years when I won Man of Steel and went close to winning it again but I've been pretty happy with my form and hopefully I can improve further in the World Cup.''

Wellens, who is certain to keep the full-back spot for Saturday's opening game against Papua New Guinea in Townsville, won 20 caps for Great Britain and was in the team that walloped France in the mid-
season international.

''Any time you represent your country, you are part of an elite group,'' he said. ''A lot of people would give their right arm to be in this position.

''It's exciting. Going on tour is not something that happens very often so it's a great opportunity.''

England, who leave their training camp on the Gold Coast tomorrow to set up base in Townsville, ought to start the competition with a win against the Kumuls before the serious business begins.

On Sunday Tony Smith's men head off to Melbourne to prepare for the eagerly-awaited clash with defending champions Australia and the Kiwis also lie in wait in Newcastle but Wellens is confident about his team's prospects.

''I think we've got a great chance,'' he said. ''It's going to take a lot of hard work but the squad is looking in great shape.

''I think we're in a lot better shape than we have been for a while. That's the pleasing thing. So there is no reason why we can't be successful.

''We're not looking beyond the PNG game. They are a patriotic lot, just as we are, and they will be looking to do well and see us as a potential scalp.

''We are going to have to be professional and go there and do a good job. We feel we have the players with the experience who have handled that situation before.''