What started as a celebration of Cameron Smith ended with the Australian rugby league captain’s representative career being put on notice on Friday in Brisbane.
Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens is savouring Smith’s nous in a Four Nations squad containing 11 new faces due to injury and suspension.
But Sheens admitted his rookies had been given an ideal opportunity to stake a long-term claim in the national squad at the Four Nations.
And it seems even Smith is vulnerable, with Sheens conceding it will be difficult to pick players aged in their mid-30s for the next World Cup in 2017.
Smith admitted he felt like a true veteran with five fresh-faced rookies set to make their Test debuts in their Four Nations opener on Saturday night against New Zealand in Brisbane.
However, he would have been feeling every one of his 31 years when Sheens hinted the Four Nations could herald a changing of the guard, while sitting alongside his captain on Friday.
“They have a window of opportunity this tournament given so many guys are out,” Sheens said.
“It’s a great chance to cement a spot or at least put pressure on selectors for next year or the year after.
“If you think about it, most players get a start by an injury and the good ones don’t look back.
“It will be interesting to see how these kids put pressure on for next season.”
And straight shooter Sheens did not hold back when he expanded his thoughts on the 2017 World Cup team – ensuring Smith some uneasy moments nearby.
The ears of fellow 31-year-olds Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater – both injured – and suspended 33-year-old Paul Gallen would have also been burning.
“Obviously 31, 32-year-olds for the World Cup is going to be difficult,” Sheens said.
“I am not going to say it is impossible to play into your mid-30s.”
Sheens then caught a bemused Smith out of the corner of his eye.
“Actually, 31-year-olds aren’t too bad,” he smiled.
“They might cop an interchange here or there.
“But if they do well, it will stand well for next year’s selection.”
Of course, the likes of Smith, Thurston and Slater will bow out from rep footy when they see fit.
But Sheens was deadly serious about giving his rookies a crack at a long representative future.
“This broadens the base of players with experience that we can choose from,” he said.
He did have one complaint with the current crop, however.
“If anything, you can’t shut the younger blokes up.”
Smith admitted he would have to step up, with wingers Josh Mansour and Daniel Tupou along with prop Aaron Woods and bench back-rower Aidan Guerra set to debut before Sheens again rotates his line-up.
“I guess there is a sense of that. There is a fair amount of responsibility on the senior group,” he said.
The eye
Guest
Daley went that way,too,very prominent in the blue wall final 20 in game 2 that decided the series,as did the Dally M panel who named him 2nd rower of the year..and top gong at the Knights winning player of the year..kiwis better wear triple padding around the ribs tonight..
Alex L
Roar Rookie
..and yet he selects Beau Scott ahead of Josh Jackson. Methinks Sheens is trying to light a fire under some players backsides.
Gaz
Guest
Sheens is clearly not happy with those that have " deserted their post " either through having their injuries being repaired or taking a rest due to being burnt out. He is simply taking aim at those players by stating the obvious but erred by forgetting his captain who had overlooked his own injuries to make himself available was sitting beside him. If any of the thirty something year olds can make the next World Cup it would be Smith without doubt.