30 Apr 2015

Youth and experience in Kangaroos: Cronk

12:39 pm on 30 April 2015

The Australian rugby league halfback Cooper Cronk is welcoming the inclusion of four new players in the Kangaroos for Friday's ANZAC Test with the Kiwis in Brisbane.

Cooper Cronk passes with Corey Parker watching on.

Cooper Cronk passes with Corey Parker watching on. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Alex Johnston, Josh Dugan, Will Chambers and Trent Merrin will debut in Brisbane alongside an aging group of veterans some fear are over the hill.

The Australian backrower Corey Parker says his older team-mates may show their age against the young New Zealanders, who he believes are only going to get better.

Cronk says there's a good mix of youth and experience in the Kangaroos.

"The [younger] guys who've been picked are playing at a real high level consistently to start this [NRL] season," said Cronk.

"The guys who've been playing a long time have been there and done that before."

The Kiwis haven't won an Anzac test since 1998, but beat Australia twice in three weeks in last year's Four Nations.

Asked if Australia had lost their aura in New Zealand's eyes, Parker says absolutely.

He says Australia has played the Kiwis three times in 12 months and lost twice, so the Kangaroos have to give New Zealand the respect they deserve.

The Kangaroos:

Fullback Greg Inglis

Wing Alex Johnston

Centre Michael Jennings

Centre Will Chambers

Wing Josh Dugan

Five-Eighth Johnathan Thurston

Halfback Cooper Cronk

Prop Matt Scott

Hooker Cameron Smith ©

Prop Aaron Woods

Second Row Greg Bird

Second Row Sam Thaiday

Lock Corey Parker

Interchange Luke Lewis

Interchange Trent Merrin

Interchange Nate Myles

Interchange James Tamou

18th man Daly Cherry-Evans

19th man Josh Papalii