Anzac test chance for revenge – Thaiday

Kangaroo Sam Thaiday says the pain of the two losses to the Kiwis in last year’s Four Nations will be revisited by his team-mates when they arrive in camp on Sunday.

Both teams will name their sides for Friday’s Anzac test on Sunday evening, the first chance Australia will have to enact revenge on New Zealand for those shock losses last October and November.

Thaiday, who has played 24 times for his country, said the Kangaroos wouldn’t shy away from those results, particularly the Four Nations final loss in Wellington.

‘‘It was very tough loss and it’s something that we want to get back with a win in Brisbane,’’ Thaiday said. ‘‘I’m sure it will be something Tim (Sheens, Kangaroos coach) talks about when everyone goes into camp at the start of the week and we have to make sure we really nail our preparation, because it’s only a short week, playing on Friday night.’’

Some pundits across the Tasman have brushed aside the Kiwis’ success because of the under strength nature of the Australian squad in the Four Nations; Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston and Paul Gallen were all missing. However, Thaiday said that couldn’t be used as an excuse.

‘‘At the end of the day, that was the Australian team picked and that’s the team you have to win with,’’ he said. ‘‘We had enough talent in that team to win the tournament and we were very disappointed that we weren’t good enough on the night when we played in Wellington.

‘‘We have to make sure that whatever team gets picked this time around is ready to go.’’

The Kiwis also have a three-test tour of England on their calendar for 2015, but for Australia, the Anzac test is it. Thaiday believes that puts extra pressure on the Kangaroos to perform on Friday.

‘‘If anything, it means everyone’s on notice, because there is only the one game,’’ he said. ‘‘If we don’t perform as players then when the team gets picked again next year it’s going to be more difficult to get selected. ‘‘Tim’s really showed his loyalty over the last few years, but that loyalty can really get stretched when you have a couple of defeats in a row.’’

The New Zealand Rugby League was desperate to have the test played in Auckland, but the NRL snubbed its approaches, insisting it be played in Australia. However, the Kiwis have a great record at Suncorp Stadium – it’s there where they won the World Cup final in 2008 and also recorded a victory in last year’s Four Nations.

‘‘The Kiwis love playing in Brisbane, and they’ve had some success here in the past,’’ Thaiday said. ‘‘It comes down to the great supporter base they have here in Brisbane.

‘‘We’re trying to encourage as many people from Australia to come along, and we also want people from New Zealand to come over, too, because it will be a fantastic experience.’’

To drum up interest in the test Thaiday and Kiwi Alex Glenn, who also plays for the Broncos, held a cook-off in Brisbane on Wednesday, which Glenn won.

Glenn has been in great form for his club this year, but was ruled out of the Anzac test when he picked up a facial injury against the Dragons.

‘‘I’m always proud to represent my country, so it’s a big disappointment to miss out on playing the Anzac test here at Suncorp, due to the eye fracture I copped at the weekend,’’ Glenn said. He hopes to be playing again in a couple of weeks and says his long term goal is to be back in the Kiwis squad for the trip to England.

‘‘That’s in the back of my mind, but I’ve got to stay injury free throughout the season and play some consistent football for my club, if I’m not doing that I’m not giving myself a chance for the Kiwis.

‘‘It’s a fair while away and I’ve got to keep my spirits high to get back out on that field.’’