Australia coach Tim Sheens is adamant the mid-season Test against New Zealand still holds relevance despite the Kiwis failing to win a one-off fixture against the Kangaroos since 1998.
Stephen Kearney’s side beat Australia in the Rugby League World Cup final in 2008 and the Four Nations decider in 2010, but have struggled to match that form in matches outside of tournaments.
Despite that, Sheens is a fan of the timing of the fixture and said it still belongs on the calendar.
“I know it’s before State of Origin, but that’s a little out of sync as Origin was invented to be a trial for the Tests,” Sheens said.
“The guys enjoy playing it and it is well supported by the crowds.
“It is also the game where you get your strongest combinations, as at the end of the year often you have guys out having surgery.”
The Kiwis’ hopes of ending their 15-year drought have been hindered by the loss of Sonny Bill Williams and Benji Marshall to injury.
In-form Sydney Rooster Williams has aggravated a knee problem and Marshall has a toe injury.
“They’ve named a strong side and that’s even without Sonny Bill Williams and Benji which is indicative of how good it is,” Sheens said.
“In the two matches last year there wasn’t too much in it, 12 points or so and with 10 minutes to go we were struggling to get in the ascendancy.”
Sheens’ squad contained few surprises with Justin Hodges, Anthony Watmough, Luke Lewis and Sam Thaiday all returning after they missed the Test in Townsville last October through injury.
Kurt Gidley is back in the utility bench spot role after a three-year hiatus punctuated by injury.
The Newcastle skipper replaces Robbie Farah and Sheens said the 30-year-old’s ability to play three positions edged out the Wests Tigers hooker.
“Kurt’s probably seen as the ultimate interchange 14th player in that he can play fullback to nine,” he said.
“We need to cover every position as best we can … so Kurt edges Robbie out in that position.”
ARL Commission chairman John Grant says he’s resigned to the fact preparations may potentially be disrupted due to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority’s (ASADA) probe into the use of prohibited substances.
Grant said he hoped the investigation would be completed before the start of the State of Origin series on June 5.
ASADA have sent out letters to individuals they wish to speak to and interviews could commence this week.
“It’s taken a little bit longer than the indications that were given to us,” Grant said.
“But I think you need to be really comfortable that we’ve kept, as much as we can, reasonable pressure on ASADA to keep this thing rolling.
“At the moment we’re focusing on the Test next weekend. We’ll then focus on picking the Origin sides and running that series and we’ll cope with whatever comes out of ASADA’s investigation along the way. It’s all we can do.”