Rugby League: Test prospect keeps lid on ambitions

SYDNEY - An Australian jersey would be great, but Sydney Roosters second-rower Craig Fitzgibbon has his focus fixed firmly on the NRL grand final.

The one-off test between the Kiwis and Kangaroos follows in Wellington next weekend and Fitzgibbon's fine form in the playoffs could see him winning his first cap.

But the 25-year-old was keeping a lid on predictions that he was in line to get a call-up.

"It would be nice if I could, but there are so many good backrowers out there and they're all playing well," he said. "The team is going so well at the moment and it's just so important to win this weekend's game. If a green-and-gold jersey comes after that, I would be more than happy, but I'm certainly not going to hold my breath."

Fitzgibbon's workrate has seen him average 20 hit-ups and 30 tackles during the Roosters' three play-off matches. He also provided the key moment of their win over defending champions Newcastle a fortnight ago with a 90m runaway try.

A goalkicker, he has developed into one of the game's most accurate under the guidance of former Kiwis ace Daryl Halligan. That string to his bow could sway the test selectors, given halfback Andrew Johns' availability through injury.

Fitzgibbon is predicting a far closer margin in the grand final than when the two teams last met six weeks ago. On that occasion, the Roosters blanked the Warriors 44-0 with stifling defence and by kicking early in the tackle count to turn the opposition around.

"They had an off day and we had an on day," Fitzgibbon said. "We're certainly not thinking that's the way it's going to be on Sunday. It's a grand final. Most scorelines are tight in a grand final and we're expecting no different."

Fitzgibbon said the Roosters would be looking again to their up-and-in defence to try to shackle the Warriors' flair and unpredictability.

"It's pretty hard to get a defensive structure against those guys," he said. "We just have to get up in their face and try to nullify their offloads, and just be going forward at them all day."

Fitzgibbon has been receiving treatment for a groin strain, but is confident the injury will not hamper him on match day.

He will be making his third appearance in a grand final, having played on losing sides for St George-Illawarra in 1999 and for the Roosters in 2000.

Tomorrow, he will again be trying to emulate his father, Allan, who won a premiership with Balmain in 1969.

- NZPA