Feldt aiming for top
On the fringe of the Maroons State of Origin camp for several years, he said he was determined to stake his claim for further representative honours.
“It was very humbling to be part of (the Australian setup), the way they went about it was pretty cool,” he said.
“They said just play your normal game, there wasn’t too much pressure on my shoulders. The Nines is a little bit different because the whole structure goes out the window.
“Every time you put on a green and gold jersey you want to put your best foot forward.
“I have big expectations after my efforts in the PM’S side last weekend, so I want to just make the most of my time on the field, make sure I am having fun but also put in a strong effort.”
Feldt is the final piece of an exciting Kangaroos backline, and said he looked forward to reconnecting with former Cowboys teammate Kalyn Ponga.
Ponga burst onto the NRL scene during the 2017 Auckland Nines, setting the competition alight for the Cowboys. Feldt got a front and centre show to the wunderkind that year, and expects him to turn it on again for the Kangaroos.
“I am excited to be back working with him, and the same with Ryan Papenhuyzen, he is electric with the ball,” he said.
“It is going to be good to play on the same side of the field as him and Josh AddoCarr for once, there is plenty of pace between the two of them.”
Feldt has also taken the opportunity to pick the brains of one of his childhood idols in Mal Meninga.
There are several similarities in the way they played the game, both possessing a damaging carry on the edge of the field, but Feldt said it was Meninga’s coaching style that had him in awe.
“It’s great to be in camp with (Mal). I watched him play a lot when I was a young fella,” he said.
“But it is good to see him the way he goes about his coaching.
“I don’t know how similar we are, but there are a few similarities.
“He was a lot stronger and more powerful than me.
“He also had a pretty long rep career, and I am only just dipping my toes in the water.”
The Kangaroos will open their World Cup Nines campaign at Bankwest Stadium in a blockbuster clash against New Zealand tomorrow night at 8pm. Stream all the action live on Kayo Sports.
EVERY TIME YOU PUT ON A GREEN AND GOLD JERSEY YOU WANT TO PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD. I HAVE BIG EXPECTATIONS. KYLE FELDT