Kevin Locke insists he can be the key to unpicking opposing defences when New Zealand defend their Four Nations rugby league crown in the UK.
The fullback was one of the few bright spots for the Kiwis on Sunday, scoring his side’s only try in the 42-6 drubbing by Australia in Newcastle.
Despite the heavy defeat, Locke’s confidence was boosted by his encouraging debut for the world champions.
The Warriors star said the Kiwis would be better for the run ahead of the meeting between the sides in the Four Nations opener in Warrington on October 28, but acknowledged they need to improve.
“We learned a lot from the game in Newcastle,” he told AAP.
“It was another step higher from the NRL. It was faster than anything I have experienced.
“The heat didn’t help, and the way the Aussies kept moving our defence across the park made us really tired.
“It was a whole new level of footy, the nerves and the buzz just get to you and I can’t wait to play again and hope I can do my part but, as a team, we need to defend better.”
The world champions failed to make the final in the 2009 tournament in England, going down to a shock defeat to the hosts in the group stages, but prevailed in last year’s final against the Kangaroos in Brisbane.
Locke travelled to the UK as part of the Kiwi squad two years ago but never made it onto the field.
He admits he wasn’t ready for the step up in class or what to pack in his suitcase for a bitterly cold northern English winter, but says he’s older and wiser.
“I never got to play two years ago, and also made the mistake of packing a load of shorts and shirts only to find I couldn’t wear any of them as it was freezing,” he said.
“I had to get rid of them quickly and buy a coat and warm tops – but I know what to expect this time on and off the field.”
The Kiwis will take to the field against the Kangaroos without prop Russell Packer, who is suspended after accepting a one-match ban on Tuesday following his high shot on Kangaroos skipper Darren Lockyer.
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