Australia prop Keaon Koloamatangi is ready for another late switch to start the Rugby League World Cup final, but has kept New Zealand guessing about his role.
He also made a point about the pack he is a member of after external criticism, asserting that there is none better in world footy when they fire.
Koloamatangi was initially named on the bench for the 44-12 semi-final win over Samoa, but started the match with fire and brimstone, with Pat Carrigan moving to the reserves where he provided maximum impact.
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Carrigan has been named to start again in Sunday’s final at Suncorp Stadium, but coach Kevin Walters will keep the mind games bubbling along until close to kick-off.
“I’m not too sure yet,” Koloamatangi said when asked if he would start the decider.
“Last week I didn’t know until captain’s run, so it might be the same this week.
“We’re all great players and I think whoever starts or comes off the bench is going to do a great job.
“If (Walters) starts me, he starts me, and if I come off the bench, I’ll be ready. Whatever he needs. I prepare the same, like I’m going to play 80 minutes.”
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The former Tonga prop said that Carrigan, Cameron Murray, Reuben Cotter and captain Isaah Yeo had forged a close bond in camp and that starting or coming off the bench would not impact anyone’s effectiveness.
“On days off we always have a coffee together. I feel like with our camaraderie, that whoever’s on the field at the same time it pays off because we invest in each other off the field,” Koloamatangi said.
“There’s no secret that people have been saying we’re the weakest forward pack in the competition.
“But with the professionalism here it is something that we don’t read into. We all know that as individuals, if we bring our best game for the team, then our forward pack’s number one.”
Kangaroos fullback Reece Walsh backed his forwards recently, stating they did not deserve the “disrespect” of critics.
“I can only speak for myself. No, I didn’t feel disrespected. There are a lot of great players in the other teams and other countries,” Koloamatangi added.
“For me, it’s something that I don’t look into. Most of the time when I go on the field, I’m too tired in to think about that. I just worry about my job.”
Australia beat New Zealand 24-20 in the World Cup opener, but Koloamatangi said the Kangaroos pack had another gear.
“We got the win, but we weren’t happy with how we played,” he said.
“You want to be primed for the big games and I feel like we’ve reached a new level every single week. I think it’s leading in the right direction.”
