Veteran Brent Tate was clearly relieved after securing the hotly-contested centre position alongside Greg Inglis for Saturday’s opening World Cup clash against England.
But almost as soon as coach Tim Sheens’ decision was announced the comeback kid was already talking about the pressure to hang on to the jersey.
Five years ago Tate feared he would never play in another World Cup as he tried to comprehend the Kiwis’ 34-20 boilover in the decider, which he sat out due to injury.
Now he’s back and will start at Millennium Stadium on Saturday beating out in-form Michael Jennings and Josh Morris to the centres spot vacated by injured star Justin Hodges.
“Obviously I’m stoked to be here, it has been a long, tough journey,” the 31-year-old told AAP.
“There’s been plenty of doubts and questions that I’ve had to ask and answer along the way but I’m back here now and I’m really happy to be a part of this.”
Tate made his international debut against Great Britain in 2002.
“So for me to get back here after what I’ve been through is something I’m really proud of,” he said.
“But I also understand that the challenge now is to keep that jersey and stay in this team.”
The North Queensland back expects tournament co-hosts England to test the Kangaroos physically.
“They’re always a big strong side and I know from experience playing them over here they are a different team again,” he said.
The Queenslander believes having a number of NRL players in the squad will lift the English side as a whole.
The Burgess brothers George, Sam and Tom play for South Sydney while James Graham (Canterbury) and St George Illawarra-bound Gareth Widdop also compete Down Under.
“It will lift all of them,” Tate said.
“It only makes them better and stronger. Those guys are battle-hardened with the NRL every week. They’ll be bringing back that experience of playing against us as well and telling them (their English teammates).”
That’s a sentiment shared by Johnathan Thurston.
The Kangaroos playmaker says the NRL experience will bolster England.
“You’ve seen a few of the boys playing in the NRL which has certainly helped the England side and no doubt on England’s day they can beat any team – they’ve proven that in the past,” the North Queensland five-eighth told AAP.
“They’re a great side, a tough side, they’ve got a big pack they’ve chosen and a very mobile pack and they’ll be very confident coming into this game.”
