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Sports |
Aussies on call for PNG clash
By TODD BALYM of AAP
SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister’s XIII coach Mal
Meninga says this year’s clash with Papua New Guinea at Lloyd
Robson Oval represents a huge opportunity for players to begin
pushing for World Cup berths in 2008.
The Kangaroos Test side will play just two matches before next
year’s World Cup - an end of year clash with New Zealand in
Wellington next month and a centenary celebration game with the
Kiwis at the SCG next year.
With several young talents emerging as genuine contenders for a
green and gold jumper this year, Meninga says the squad going to
Port Moresby to play PNG on Sept 23 will have an ideal chance to
push their Test claims to Australian coach Ricky Stuart.
Four Brisbane players - Justin Hodges, Petero Civoniceva, Sam
Thaiday and Tonie Carroll - were yesterday added to the Test
train-on squad from which the bulk of the PM’s XIII squad will
be selected tomorrow.
However, Meninga expects the Broncos stars will be spared
another representative game and says the chance will be given to
other young stars hoping to challenge for Test selection.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for players to represent the
Prime Minister’s XIII and it’s a stepping stone for the
Australian side,” said Meninga.
“If they do really well they’ll be at the forefront of
selectors' minds going forward for the World Cup next year.
“It’s important every time you pull a rep jersey on and every
time you play well you can use it as a chance for the selectors
to see who you are and have a good look at you”
Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah and Cronulla duo Greg Bird and
Paul Gallen would be considered almost certain selections for
the clash given their superb seasons.
Last year Parramatta winger Jarryd Hayne capped his outstanding
rookie season with a strong performance against PNG to join the
Tri Nations squad.
Meninga says the game against the Kumuls is perfect for those
players knocked out of the NRL finals to keep match fit for a
possible Test with the Kiwis.
“Any player wants to be playing as it’s a really good vehicle
for them to keep match fit,” he said.
“If they’re match fit and tuned up to play in a Test then it’s a
good guide for the selectors.”
Australian train-on squad: Tonie Carroll, Petero Civoniceva,
Justin Hodges, Sam Thaiday (Brisbane), Greg Bird, Paul Gallen,
Luke Douglas (Cronulla), Anthony Laffranchi, Scott Prince, Luke
Bailey (Gold Coast), Danny Buderus, Steve Simpson, Kurt Gidley
(Newcastle), Luke Lewis, Trent Waterhouse (Penrith), Mark
Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Ben Creagh, Jason Ryles (St George
Illawarra), Braith Anasta, Craig Wing, Anthony Tupou, Nate Myles
(Sydney Roosters), Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers)
 
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