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New Zealand assistant coach Tony Iro says Sam Kasiano has not been at all affected by the storm surrounding him and Canterbury following last week’s Mad Monday shenanigans.
Kasiano was named on Wednesday as one of the players, a Nine Network reporter claims, directed lewd comments at her from a window at the Bulldogs training ground.
However, it emerged on Tuesday the Bulldogs claimed to the ARLC the comments by Kasiano were aimed at teammate James Graham, in reference to a You Tube video clip involving the England prop.
The 130kg front-rower, who will make his international debut for the Kiwis against Australia on Saturday, has been in camp in Cairns since the weekend and Iro said he’s only been focusing on the game.
“Sam’s prepared really well, he’s looking forward to his debut,” Iro said on Wednesday.
Kasiano, who has been at the centre of a tug-of-war between Queensland and New Zealand for his services, avoided the waiting media at Townsville airport, but looked relaxed as the visitors were greeted to a Haka reception as they walked into the arrivals lounge.
Despite all the press surrounding him, Iro said Kasiano would not be fazed by the Kangaroos on Saturday night.
“He won’t be intimidated that’s for sure, he’s a big lump of a lad,” he said.
“He seems to have enjoyed the week so far. He’s fortunate to have four of his Bulldogs teammates with him and so he is really comfortable.
“There’s been no talk about him playing for Queensland at all, he is a great talent and we are glad to have him. He has a big future in the black jumper and he belongs here.”
With the temperature reaching the 30s in Townsville this week, Iro said the Kiwis would not be worried about the heat having endured similar conditions in Cairns.
“We knew it was going to warm, whether it was Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns or Townsville,” Iro said.
“Some of our players are used to it. It is a change of scenery for us, a new town and hopefully we can freshen up.
“A lot of our boys have never been to Cairns, so it is a nice way to stick together and get used to one another in camp.”
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