KEY POINTS:
Nathan Cayless knows he carries significant responsibility on his shoulders in tonight's test over and above his personal performance.
Cayless came into the Kiwis as a star-struck 20-year-old, a surprise selection by then-coach Frank Endacott for the series against Australia.
Tony Puletua first gained selection for New Zealand
then too. Now ages 29 and 27, they are the wise old heads of the Kiwis.
Cayless has already given plenty of advice to new Kiwis squad member and fellow Parramatta Eel Krisnan Inu. He has lots of confidence in the 20-year-old Samoan Mormon's future in the game.
"Krisnan is a very good player and a very good prospect for the future. He has lots of skill."
With Timana Tahu signing to rugby in 2008, Inu had a golden opportunity to push on to a consistent start in the NRL and a regular international place, he said. Inu had been finding his way into the Kiwis culture and would be a part of the team's make-up for some time.
Cayless has also opened his door to any other young players who want advice, support and encouragement.
"I'm happy to help. It's the first time I've met some of them but it's always like a big family here [in camp]."
The Aussie-born Kiwi never once considered where his commitment lay and remains proud to wear the black jersey, despite having been victim to some terrible losses to Australia over the years, particularly in the mid-year games.
"It's always very exciting to be a part of this."
He well remembers the pain of the overtime defeat in last year's Tri-Nations final, mental and physical.
"It took a week to get over physically, it was a very tough game. We expect the same at Suncorp."
But he is not motivated by revenge.
"We like to give a good account of ourselves. If we do that, we'll be happy."
Among his best test memories are playing with brother Jason, who's at St Helens in the English Super League. Nathan understands why the English-based players were not called on and agrees with the decision.
"It's too hard to get them here - the international game should have more status, then we could field our best side. It's hard to expect them to play their best footy two days after they get off a 24-hour flight."
But the immediate test future looks bright with the opportunity to develop the team on an extended tour to England at the end of the year, then the World Cup in Australia in 2008 and Cayless wants to be part of it as long as his body holds up.
Coach Brian McClennan rated Cayless' play this season as A1.
Says Cayless: "I aim to keep performing at club level, if the club form is good the test selection will take care of itself.
" I always love playing for New Zealand."
