Australia coach Mal Meninga has challenged his stars to “get it right” and not be ambushed again as the Kangaroos look to atone for their Pacific Championships humiliation.
Meninga’s revenge mission is now staring the Kangaroos squarely in the face in Sunday’s Pacific Championships final against Tonga at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium.
It was exactly 12 months ago that Meninga was left shattered after watching his Kangaroos belted 30-0 by New Zealand in a Hamilton horror show that represented the worst loss in Australia’s proud 116-year history.
Now, with the Kiwis bombing out of contention after losing 25-24 to Tonga last week, Australia can right the wrongs of their trans-Tasman train wreck.
The Kangaroos have seven survivors from last year’s Kiwi mauling – Dylan Edwards, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Pat Carrigan, Harry Grant, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter and skipper Isaah Yeo.
Meninga is adamant his class of 2024 carry 파워볼 no scar tissue
“It’s not a motivation really but, yes, we talked about it (last year’s shock loss to New Zealand) earlier in the camp,” Meninga said.
“It’s more about this team now, it’s a new team, new players, so we’re more about having success with this current group.
“I can’t be happier with this squad of players. The camp’s been really smooth, everyone’s bought into the culture we’re driving, and they love putting the green-and-gold jersey on.
“We need to get it right. I want a great performance as a collective.
“I’m mindful it’s been a long year and the guys have been battered from pillar to post across the season, but it’s one more game and I want it to be their best game of the year.”