Kangaroos captain Isaah Yeo says Friday night time’s Check in opposition to Tonga is an opportunity to create a recent Australian rugby league legacy.
The Kangaroos will launch the Pacific Championships in opposition to Mate Ma’a at Brisbane’s Lang Park.
It’s the first encounter between the 2 nations since 2019 when Tonga shocked the Kangaroos with a 16-12 win in Auckland.
The Kangaroos are nonetheless ranked primary on the earth however had been overwhelmed 30-0 by New Zealand of their final Check in November.
Yeo mentioned the Kangaroos had moved on from final yr’s convincing loss to the Kiwis.
“There will be a response however it’s additionally a special group,” Yeo mentioned.
“We have six debutants and we’re attempting to create our personal legacy.
“You definitely do not look previous what occurred final yr and the teachings from it.
“We spoke about it early within the camp.
“Whenever you put on this jersey there may be an expectation to win and that is the actually robust historical past of this jersey.
“It is definitely no totally different for us.
“We have to exit and placed on a very good efficiency for our nation.”
Tonga boasts an enviable pack that features co-captains Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake.
Yeo mentioned he and his fellow forwards would have their fingers full in opposition to Tonga.
“It needs to be a cracker,” Yeo mentioned.
“That is the place the large battle is. They have a beautiful ahead pack and plenty of large exterior backs that do plenty of work.
“That is definitely the place it is going to be gained.
“We’re trying ahead to the problem. We have a fairly robust ahead pack ourselves, albeit somewhat totally different in dimension.
“It is a actually good match-up.”
AAP
