THE Home Nations may have fallen by the wayside but St Helens did have one representative on the pitch at the World Cup Final on Saturday.

For 10-year-old Brett Lea from Eccleston was given the honour of leading out the mighty Australians at Old Trafford after being nominated as mascot by family friend, Kevin Jackson who won a radio phone-in competition.

Bleak Hill School pupil, Brett was kitted out, escorted to the players tunnel and then taken by the hand by Kangaroo captain Brad Fittler and into the full glare of more than 44,000 fans, plus millions of television viewers.

Brett's dad Eric told the Star:"It was the thrill of a lifetime for him. Brad Fittler immediately put him at ease, greeting him with a friendly 'Hiya kid!' and then 'Thanks, mate!' when Brett wished the Aussies good luck."

But even though he was named after Aussie legend Brett Kenny, young Brett prefers kick-boxing and cricket to rugby!