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A host of Australian league hardmen have endorsed New Zealand Warriors' prop Richard Villasanti's selection in the Kangaroos preliminary training squad for the tour of Great Britain and France.
The Canberra-born frontrower's disappointment at the Warriors missing out on Sunday's National Rugby League (NRL) grand final was tempered by his selection yesterday by Kangaroos coach Chris Anderson.
The final tour squad which starts with the centenary trans-Tasman test at North Harbour Stadium on October 18 will be named on Monday, with several Penrith and Sydney Roosters players expected to be added after the grand final.
Villasanti, 23, has earned rave reviews in the latter stages of the Warriors push for the premiership and declared earlier this month he wanted to represent Australia despite also being eligible for the Kiwis through a New Zealand grandmother.
Judged to have inflicted the "hit of the year" on Brisbane prop Shane Webcke, Villasanti was busy in a losing Warriors' cause against Penrith in their preliminary final at Telstra Stadium on Saturday.
He launched one borderline hit on Panthers captain Craig Gower early and also displayed his strength and speed to steam to the line four minutes before halftime to draw the Warriors level at 10-10.
Penrith stalwart Mark Geyer believed Villasanti had emerged as the premier frontrower in the NRL.
"Along with Sydney Roosters' Adrian Morley he's the most intimidating player in the game.
"He's tough, uncompromising and has a great skill level. I don't think he's a flash in the pan tough guy."
Kangaroos and Manly enforcer Mark Carroll said Villasanti was "up there with Morley".
"Anyone who puts his body on the line like he does each week is someone you have to respect."
Paul Sironen, another Kangaroos veteran, spent time with Villasanti when he was at the Balmain club and was impressed with his development.
"He could always hit in defence, but he has also developed into a devastating ball-runner. Warriors coach Daniel Anderson has done great job with him."
Another former Balmain prop Steve Roach was most impressed with Villasanti's desire to lead from the front.
"He seems to have taken it upon himself to be a leader of the Warriors pack and every side needs a player like that."