Australia have made just a single change from the side that bested England last week ahead of their meeting the New Zealand in the 2016 Four Nations final.
Shannon Boyd has been recalled to the team as a replacement for the injured Sam Thaiday, who copped a fractured cheekbone and eye socket in last week’s match.
Jack Trobjevic and Justin O’Neill have been added to what is a 19-man squad as cover.
Kangaroos team to play New Zealand (two to be omitted)
Darius Boyd, Valentine Holmes, Greg Inglis, Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith, Aaron Woods, Boyd Cordner, Matt Gillett, Trent Merrin. Interchange: David Klemmer, Shannon Boyd, Michael Morgan, Tyson Frizzell, Justin O’Neill, Jake Trbojevic.
Despite going 3-0 in the tournament so far, compared to New Zealand’s record of 1-1-1, the Kangaroos aren’t getting ahead of themselves and are aware of the danger that New Zealand pose.
“We don’t need to be reminded about what New Zealand are capable of,” said Cooper Cronk.
“They have one of the best props in the world in Jesse Bromwich, the reigning Dally M Medal winner in Jason Taumalolo and Shaun Johnson who is one of the best halfbacks in the world.
“What has happened in the past means nothing, but teams know each other inside out and the match will be won by the best team on the day. Hopefully that will be us.”
Australia beat New Zealand two weeks ago by a margin of 14-8, and have been able to enjoy regular sucess against the Kiwis during 2016.
“Even though they might have just limped into the final, the Kiwis know how to win tournaments and they know how to play in big games,” said Johnathon Thurston.
“But there’s going to be a lot of pressure on Johnson’s shoulders to create opportunities for them but their strength is definitely their forward pack.
“Whenever they’ve won tournaments, it’s been through their forward pack. So our boys need to match them in the middle third if we are to have any hope of winning this game.”
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Australians are among the sportiest people on Earth. Much as we like to play code wars with each other, the fact that we can…
Over the years 47 players have represented Australia in rugby league and union - so who is the best of the dual code internationals?
Proposed rule changes to Origin eligibility might be that rarest of things: a solution that works for everyone.
The shortlist for the International Rugby League (IRL) Golden Boot Award has been announced, with a host of hard-runners listed for the top prizes.…
After Australia's 30-nil thumping in the Pacific Championship final, there could be a vastly different Kangaroos team in the next international competition.
A famous day for New Zealand as the Kiwis thrash Australia to take the Pacific Championships title.
