Steve McNamara reckons Great Britain can upset the odds again and win the Tri-Nations following their shock victory over Australia.

Like so many rugby league fans, the Bradford boss rose early on Saturday morning to see the brilliant Lions pull off an historic 23-12 success in Sydney.

The tourists overcame a brutal opening blast that saw former Bulls prop Stuart Fielden suffer a broken nose after being felled by Aussie hardman Willie Mason's right hook.

The giant second-rower then flattened Sean Long off the ball, inflicting a gaping wound above the St Helens ace's eye.

But the rank outsiders ignored the thuggish tactics and went on to seal their first win Down Under in 14 years, putting behind them the Kiwi loss of the previous week, and now need just one point from their remaining two games to reach the final.

McNamara was particularly impressed by the captain's lead given by former Bulls favourite Jamie Peacock.

"JP was great up front, particularly after losing Stuart Fielden," he said.

"He was outstanding and really led from the front.

"GB were committed from the first minute right through until the last. It was a pleasing performance for them and great for British rugby. I see no reason why we shouldn't go on and win the tournament now.

"People will say it's too tough because all their games are away but if you are out on tour, you don't worry about home advantage.

"There's enough GB fans out there to make it feel like a home game and the camaraderie you develop while being together on a trip like this is worth a lot as well."

Britain face New Zealand - docked both points from their last meeting after fielding an ineligible player - in Wellington on Saturday before facing the Kangaroos, already qualified for the final, in Melbourne on November 18.

McNamara was also impressed by the Bulls' sole representative at Aussie Stadium - hooker Terry Newton.

"He did some really smart stuff out there and, without being a stand-out sort of player, produced an effective and efficient performance," said McNamara.

"I've always said Terry's one of the cleverest players I know and it looks like he's enjoying himself out there."