Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens admits he is showing signs of nerves ahead of his side’s ANZAC Test clash with New Zealand on Friday.
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The future of Sheens has come into question and New Zealand have the opportunity to make it three straight wins against its Trans-Tasman rivals.
Sheens is coming off-contract in early 2016, but says there is “always pressure” as head coach of the Kangaroos.
“We will worry about this week,” Sheens is quoted as saying by AAP.
“(But) it’s a pressure game.
“Representing Australia and playing a quality side there’s always pressure.
“If I wasn’t nervous I would be pretty disappointed.”
A player succession plan has been a hot topic of debate after Sheens assembled one of the oldest Test side in Kangaroos history, however the former North Queensland Cowboys coach said it would be addressed before the 2017 World Cup.
“It has been raised the age of our spine compared to, for example, New Zealand’s – it’s obvious,” Sheens said.
“It needs to be addressed before the next World Cup.
“But at the moment we pick the team on form not age.”
It seems the Test career of veteran centre Justin Hodges is over after he was overlooked for the clash while 33-year-old Corey Parker admitted that Friday’s game may be his last for Australia.
Australia lost the 2014 Four Nations final to New Zealand and will be looking to extract revenge in soggy conditions in Brisbane.
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