This was published 8 years ago
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga tells rookies to 'act like winners' before Four Nations tour
By Adam Pengilly
He has arguably Australia's greatest exponent of centre play standing just a few feet away at training each day, but it's the message from Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga about his relentless standards expected of those wearing green and gold which is still ringing in Josh Dugan's ears.
"To be winners," Dugan said of Meninga's first message. "To act like winners and be the best of the best. That's what he's trying to do to put the pride back in this jersey.
Measuring up: Josh Dugan says it's easy to be inspired by coach Mal Meninga and the standards he sets for the players.Credit: Matt King
"As soon as he walked in I could tell how much passion he has for the Kangaroos jersey and straight away you can feel it. You buy straight into it.
"I guess Mal's trying to bring a culture that's a bit different from the last few years and he's really trying to instil that into the newer guys. There's seven debutants [on the tour], but they all warrant being picked and they're all looking forward to getting away and playing the best footy in the green and gold. It's an easy transition and everyone's made them feel welcome.
"When he's pushing that message it's pretty easy to take on board and we're really looking forward to getting away as a group."
The message has been more about the whole than any individual. Given he rates his transition to the centres for representative jerseys as "second nature" now, Meninga might not be the sounding board for Dugan he once could have been.
But it hasn't stopped the Kangaroos boss demanding versatility in his Four Nations squad. Every one of Australia's back five for the Test against New Zealand at nib Stadium in Perth on Saturday could have as easily slipped into the No.1.
Darius Boyd will wear it. Centres Dugan and Greg Inglis usually wear it at club level. And wingers Blake Ferguson and debutant Valentine Holmes have worn it before.
"We have guys that play so many different positions and you have to be able to do that to be a part of the squad these days," Dugan said.
"He doesn't so much as give me tips, but he just tries to give you confidence and it's almost become second nature to me [playing centre] now. I'm happy with the blokes inside of me and that makes it easier and I've got Blake Ferguson outside of me too."
But it will be the battle through the middle which is likely to whet the appetite most as New Zealand's powerhouse pack – led by Jesse Bromwich, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Jason Taumalolo – seek to exploit a rejigged Australian middle without Paul Gallen, Corey Parker and James Tamou.
"I think they're going to be disappointed about the loss in May, but this game is important for the rest of the tour," Dugan said. "I think we can start building towards the World Cup next year.
"This was one of my goals at the start of the year, to make the tour and I've fulfilled that. I feel privileged to be a part of it and wear the green and gold again."
Holmes, Raiders prop Shannon Boyd and Dugan's Dragons teammate Tyson Frizell will all make their debuts after being named in Meninga's squad on Friday.
"This will be a great challenge for this team," Meninga said. "The Kiwis have picked a very strong squad themselves. It will be great to see how some of our younger players fare against such an opponent."