Former Grand Prix rider Jeremy McWilliams and TT legend John McGuinness will lead the British team against other squads from Australia, New Zealand and America at the Phillip Island Classic later this month.

But Australia's teamster and former WSBK star Steve Martin reckons the native team have a lot of strength in depth and will give 'the poms' a run for their money even though a new points system takes away home advantage, he says.

Previously, points were awarded to all ten members in a team but now that has been cut to the top five. Britain is also fielding Gary Johnson, Steve Brogan and Mike Edwards among others while the Aussies have Shawn Giles, Rob Phillis, Brendan Roberts and Cameron Donald joining Martin in their team.

"The poms keep on changing the rules until they win, so they’ll have to win eventually,” said Martin, tongue firmly in cheek. “I’m all for it. Bring them over, they can have the strongest team they want. We’ve still got a great depth of riders.

“It’s great news to hear that John McGuinness is coming out. They may have the big names, but they have still got to put down the lap times. One thing’s for sure: I am not gonna let McGuinness beat me!”