The Kangaroos debutant James Tamou, who's copped some criticism for turning his back on New Zealand rugby leauge, says he's prepared to come in for some special attention when his side meets the Kiwis in Friday's ANZAC test.
The New Zealand-born Tamou officially pledged his allegiance to Australia and New South Wales last week, immediately raising the ire of those across the Tasman but Tamou says he will never regret his decision to wear the green and gold.
The idea to represent New South Wales was first planted in Tamou's head by coach Ricky Stuart last year, which he turned down, but admits it ignited a fire in him which burned even as he was selected in the New Zealand Four Nations train-on squad.
He says when Stuart gave him a second phone call this year he knew he wanted to do it.
While he expects some heat from the fearsome pack led by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Frank Pritchard, the monster prop says he is ready to take the Kiwis and the Haka front on.
