Kangaroos and Storm halfback Cooper Cronk. Photo / Getty Images
MELBOURNE - Australian halfback Cooper Cronk has assured coach Tim Sheens that he and the other Storm players are fully focused on winning their one-off league test against New Zealand on Friday night.
The Kangaroos had their first training session yesterday ahead of the Anzac test, which will be the
first match played at Melbourne's new rectangular stadium, AAMI Park.
Cronk, who replaces injured Johnathan Thurston, is one of four Melbourne players in the side, with Cameron Smith, Greg Inglis and Billy Slater.
Cronk said the match meant everything to the Melbourne players. After the salary cap rort was exposed two weeks ago they were banned from playing for NRL competition points in 2010, and stripped of two premiership titles.
"I think representing your country is enough to play for," said Cronk, when asked about playing for a trophy again. "Being an Anzac test and at a new stadium are things that can motivate you but motivation for playing rugby league is because you enjoy it and you love playing footy with your mates."
And Cronk believed calling the test match a welcome distraction from the turmoil at the Storm would be disrespectful.
The 26-year-old said fellow Australian players had welcomed the Storm players into the fold, despite being labelled cheats in some quarters during the furore.
Sheens said Cronk's combination with Slater and Smith had given him an edge over Gold Coast halfback Scott Prince.
Set to play his third test since 2007 despite being overlooked thus far for Queensland Origin, Cronk was determined to make his own mark.
The only debutant in the Australian team, who haven't lost an Anzac test since a 22-16 loss in 1998, is Dragons prop Michael Weyman.
Weyman said he was thrilled to be playing alongside one of his favourite players, veteran Petero Civoniceva.
"I've always admired him as a player so being a part of a team he's in it's going to be huge for me.
"He's just getting better with age, he's playing real good."
- AAP
