Rugby League: Talau takes encouragement from all quarters in new test role

By PETER JESSUP in Sydney

Willie Talau has no fears about being thrown in the deep end as a test five-eighth and has taken strength and comfort from the fact the coaching staff had the confidence to pick him out of the NRL's second division.

"Obviously they think I can do the job," Talau said.

He had his first run in the position since 1999 at training last night. But having faced Australia in the number six jersey for the Junior Kiwis in 1995 gives him some pedigree.

He has been encouraged by how well Dragons centre Shaun Timmins, transplanted to five-eighth for New South Wales, did in the three State of Origin games.

"The style of Origin and test games is similar - 80 minutes hard out - they're games that are often won defensively, that's my style of play."

He likes playing against Timmins in the centres.

"He's tough, he's quality opposition so you know if you've played well or not."

He expected a fairly simple role in attack on Friday night.

"I have to concentrate on my strengths and that's running with the ball.

"There's lots of speed outside me so if I can get through the line and get the ball away I've done my job.

"I'll leave the kicking game to Stacey Jones and Richard Swain."

He will get some special instruction in that from former Kiwi five-eighth and assistant coach Tony Kemp.

Talau has been troubled by a medial ligament injury in his left knee and the 80 minutes in premier grade for the Bulldogs against Cronulla on Saturday was his first full game for a while. He'd had a long break after the original injury, played four games coming back, and was out two weeks after tweaking it again. He has no worries about it now.

All the Kiwis passed the medical yesterday.

The Warriors and NZRL will fight the high tackle charge levelled at Ali Lauiti'iuti. Coach of both teams Daniel Anderson said he did not believe the judiciary was "out to get blokes" because they were Kiwi players.

The TV cover gave them sufficient evidence to challenge the charge, which he thought was the softer of the two tackles for which Lauiti'iuti was put on report. It was the second, and the fact it came after a warning that may carry some weight. Anderson said he would decide whether Joe Galuvao or Sione Faumuina would take Lauiti'iuti's place if and when he had to. The NRL has brought forward the hearing to tonight instead of the usual Wednesday night.

The Australians all passed their medical and are expected to play as named. The ARL is looking to sell around 30,000 tickets at Aussie Stadium.