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RUGBY league greats Billy Slater and Cameron Smith have achieved plenty in their careers, but winning a World Cup on home soil is one feat that still eludes them.
The duo are the only players in this year’s Kangaroos squad who were part of the 2008 team shocked by the Kiwis in the World Cup final at Suncorp Stadium.
And while both Slater and Smith have enjoyed World Cup success since, claiming the 2013 title, they will look to add that final feather to their caps on Saturday, when they take on England at the same ground as their 2008 loss.
While Slater would not be drawn on his feelings over the 2008 loss, in which he threw a wild pass that Kiwis playmaker Benji Marshall scored from, the star fullback said the memories of the 2013 World Cup final were spurring him on to Saturday’s showdown.
“Playing in a World Cup is very special,” Slater said.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play in three. The memory of winning the 2013 World Cup over at Old Trafford is probably one of the highlights of my career.
“It’s a very special moment and hopefully we can replicate that performance that we put in over there.
“We’re playing for the Kangaroos. We’ve got a responsibility to play well, we have a responsibility to uphold the performance in that jersey.”
The Kangaroos have been the favourites to claim the World Cup for the entire tournament and, after beating England 18- 4 in the opening pool match, the expectations are high they will deliver.
However, it was a similar case in 2008 when the Australians beat New Zealand 30- 6 in the pool rounds before the final upset.
Smith said to finally get that win in their home country would be more satisfying than the 2013 World Cup victory.
“Without a doubt, winning a World Cup on home soil would be at the top of the tree as far as my Test career,” he said.
“It was one of the greatest feelings that I’ve had winning that World Cup in the UK. But that wouldn’t really match up against a win here on home soil.
“I’ve had an opportunity once before, in 2008, and we didn’t get the job done that night. It would be nice to be able to get a win next week.
“We have to play well achieve that.” to