League: Veteran predicts torrid match

Petero Civoniceva. Photo / Supplied

Statistically Petero Civoniceva represents the disparity between the opposing packs in Friday's league test but the Kangaroos' cornerstone is sure the Kiwis won't just make up the numbers.

The hulking prop's 40 tests make up more than half the total amassed by Australia's forward line-up that runs on to AAMI Park but outside the Penrith and Queensland juggernaut there is no shortage of first grade experience.

The Kangaroos forward resources - the starters and interchange bench - tally a massive 1424 first grade games between them. In comparison the Kiwis muster just 537 - Canberra lock Bronson Harrison is the only centurion with 111. Civoniceva has 256 and counting.

Seven of Australia's 10 forwards have clicked over the hundred-match milestone including relative test novices Josh Perry, Anthony Watmough, Luke Lewis and Sam Thaiday.

In stark contrast, Kiwis front rower Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has played just nine first grade games as he prepares for his fifth test.

Those figures suggest the Kangaroos are equipped with enough hard-nosed forwards to quell a Kiwis side missing Roy Asotasi, Fuifui Moimoi, Frank Pritchard, Simon Mannering and Jeremy Smith.

Waerea-Hargreaves, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Ben Matalino, debutant Zeb Taia and Sika Manu are charged with filling that void - a task Civoniceva doubts is beyond them.

"All I know is when you put a New Zealander in a black jersey, special things happen," the 35-year-old said.

"I'm not reading anything into their inexperience, I just know we're in for a physical, torrid match."

While Civoniceva admitted the Kiwis would miss fellow Panther Pritchard's "x-factor", a glimpse at the team list still revealed "an amazing lot of attacking ability".

The young brigade has also previously shown a healthy disregard for the Kangaroos' reputations - Waerea-Hargreaves, a case in point.

The Sydney Roosters prop, 21, verbally baited Civoniceva throughout his debut against Australia, a thrilling 20-20 Four Nations stalemate in London.

"He tried to get into me [verbally] which is awesome. Here's an example of a young guy given an opportunity to represent his country and he performed with a lot of aggression.

"He's a big man, he'll be out to prove his point again on Friday night."

Meanwhile, before Civoniceva cops another mouthful he is having a quieter word with his own test rookies in the lead-up.

Prop Michael Weyman is on debut while David Shillington is only two tests into his career and the Kangaroos fourth prop Perry hasn't played an international since 2008.

"Mick [Weyman] is making his debut. I'll get a chance to speak to him through the week and give him a few tips on how to handle the game ... to make it a little bit easier.

"I really enjoy that role of leading the younger guys around."

- NZPA