Jerry on way back as Giants prepare for next big test

one of the NRL-based players who fought to get the game on in Colorado, dubbed it a success.

“The first 20 minutes was as fatigued as I’ve ever been in a game but it’s been a great week and it’s been successful,” said the former Bradford forward.

“I know there have been critics but I thought both teams played with passion and heart and effort and that’s what Test match football is all about.

“It was great for us to be here and another good chance for us to play together again as a team.”

With coach Wayne Bennett opting to have just two forwards on the bench, Burgess agreed to a request from him to play the full match.

“He asked me if I could play 80 and I thought it would be a big ask but I pushed it out and managed to get there,” Burgess said.

“It was a good team effort. I thought we worked hard for each other. We only had two forwards on the bench and I thought some of our small guys carried the ball well for us today.

“We got some breakaway tries and defended well when we needed to.

“The game was physical and it got fiery. The Kiwis have got a point to prove but I thought it was a great game of football.”

New Zealand coach Michael Maguire, who was in charge of his first game, took encouragement from the performances of his young side and seven debutants.

“The boys really controlled the game in the first 20,” he said. “Unfortunately at the back end of the first half our completion rates dropped, which increased the missed tackles and the pressure on us just became strong.

“Moments in Test matches change games, we kicked the ball dead three times from kick-off and that put so much pressure on ourselves. But credit to the young guys who showed me we’ve got some really good depth.”