Rugby League: McCracken eases into latest role as captain

SYDNEY - Jarrod McCracken is the epitome of the syndrome that sees players grow in stature once they put on the Kiwis' black jersey.

McCracken yesterday assumed the mantle of Kiwi captain after Quentin Pongia was ruled out through rib injury and immediately took charge at training, telling the young guys what to expect from various Aussie runners.

He'd had some input on the England tour last year and was pleased coach Frank Endacott had recognised that with his earlier appointment as vice-captain.

"That was a pleasant surprise that hasn't quite sunk in yet," he said after being handed the reins mid-training at his home ground at Parramatta yesterday.

McCracken, at 28, is one of the most experienced test players in the side despite missing several during the `war' years. He's more than pleased to be back, and no way does he believe the Kiwi side he's leading is a crock.

"They're all experienced first grade players, they're all big enough to look after themselves. I don't expect too much of a role," he said.

And he rates the test at Lang Park last October as the hardest he's ever played in and was pleased Parramatta and Kiwi team-mate Nathan Cayless proved his worth and showed Kiwis can take the leap from reserve grade to test star as Olsen Filipaina did.

He was gratified after a team meeting on Monday to see the new boys had no qualms about stepping into the big time.

Australia had a big set of forwards too, were always hard, but he reckoned the choice of several new players was a bonus for New Zealand league.

"If we'd had this [injury] situation four years ago we'd have had problems fielding a side. Now there are more players in the NRL and the Warriors are bringing plenty through. Yeah, we're the underdogs but that's what the Anzac spirit is all about."

McCracken left New Zealand at age 20, encouraged by father and fellow Kiwi Ken to try his luck in the big time and to avoid the then troubles of departing the New Zealand league without transfer fees.

He showed what he was worth for Port Macquarie Sharks in the Newcastle competition, was spotted by Canterbury and had six years as their centre before the ARL-Super League scrap changed his life, team, salary and suburb.

He's happy at Parramatta, sons Jaycob (7) at school and Wade (4) about to start.

"They've got some of the best facilities in the competition. I'm comfortable up the road at Castle Hill and you don't want to drive too far in the traffic over here."

And Parra were just about bottom of the comp when he joined, but for the past two seasons have made the finals. "We're not far off a grand final here. I'd like to be with them then - the place would go mad."

The move from centre to second-rower orchestrated by Eels coach Brian Smith when he was in his second season there suits him, he said.

"I sometimes wonder what I used to do all day out there. I don't think I'll be going back."

So he likes running with the ball, belting opposition forwards with big tackles?

"You said it."

He goes back to the Port to stay with wife Michelle's family in the off-season, to train with his old mates, and still enjoys surfing, though the board's getting longer. For recreation and a wind-down he rides his Harley and has taken flying lessons towards a helicopter pilot's licence.

McCracken's contract at the Eels ends this season. He's hoping Parramatta will make another offer before the negotiating deadline that allows other clubs to make offers after June 30, but as a pro footballer realises another move might be on the cards.

"I haven't bought a house here," he said. "But I reckon I've got three more good years in me yet."

The Warriors? "I'd never rule them out - it's still home."

He still has two sisters and other family here, though mum and dad have given away taxi driving around Auckland and moved to the Gold Coast. Ken and brother Brett, a fair player for Glenora, Auckland, and good enough to make the NZ University side, will travel down for the game.

So, the chances of a first-up win as captain?

"The Aussies command a lot of respect, they've got bigger scrapbooks than our guys. But we're not going to lie down and let them run over the top of us. We'll do our best."

What more can you ask?