By Sam Ackerman
The Kiwis have hit the training paddock for the first time ahead of Saturday’s one-off test against the Kangaroos in Townsville.
But while they look to quickly get some team unity, several combinations have already grown in the past few months.
As if Townsville wasn't far enough north, the Kiwis have set up test camp in tropical Cairns. The Kiwis’ new right-side pairing of Kiwis centre Krisnan Inu and Kiwis wing Sam Perrett have come a long way as well. They reckon they wouldn't be there if not for their mid-season move to the Bulldogs.
“You don't get picked for the Kiwis if you're playing reserve grade,” says Inu.
“[I] guess I'm lucky,” says Perrett. “[I’m] counting my lucky stars. Me and Krisnan are in the same boat, making the mid-season change, and we're loving every bit of it.”
Inu and Perrett have struck up an effective partnership they hope translates to the test arena.
“It's always a big part of rugby league, having working combinations in the team,” says Perrett. “[It’s] definitely going to be a bonus for us having quite a few Bulldogs here together already.”
While the Kiwis Bulldogs quintet is hoping a test win will dull their grand final pain, it’s more like icing on the cake for Storm premiership winner Kevin Proctor.
The rookie has already received some lip from Melbourne’s Kangaroos.
“They actually had a little talk to me during the week when they were on the drink, saying they would try smash me and all that stuff,” says Proctor. “I was just telling them I'd be happy to get out onto the field, and if I do get that opportunity, I’d try wringing their necks.”
Who'll get that opportunity should be known tomorrow, with the team expected to be confirmed.
3 News