Origin Fatigue Not A Factor -
Anderson

Australian rugby league coach Chris Anderson has allayed fears that fatigue factor hurting several Kangaroos stars could prove the world champions' downfall against New Zealand in Friday night's clash at Aussie Stadium.

The Kiwis camp is cautiously optimistic a punishing State of Origin series might deaden the Kangaroos' effort.

But Anderson was in no doubt his players would be in the right frame of mind to embellish a proud record against their trans-Tasman rivals.

"New Zealand think this is a great opportunity because our blokes are a little bit sick and tired after the Origin series.

"They think they're a great chance of beating us but when you're playing for your country it tends to bring out the best in the blokes," Anderson said.

Andrew Johns' well-being has been highlighted by his brother Matthew's fear that the National Rugby League (NRL) and representative schedule has taken a physical and mental toll on the Kangaroos linchpin.

"The problem for Andrew is he's the playmaker and if he is fatigued, his errors are going to be very obvious and affect the side."

However, Johns was upbeat after training yesterday and supported the theory that representing the Kangaroos would erase any prospect of mental fatigue.

"It's been a really tough year and it doesn't get an easier as you get older but Chris is a smart coach. I'd say he'd go pretty easy on us this week and make sure we're peaking at the right time."

Giant prop Shane Webcke drew breath when asked today for his slant on confronting a monster Kiwis' pack.

"You can't help but think of the size of those blokes and being human you always think of the worst case scenario. You can sort of picture this giant mob of Kiwis but when you get out there you realise they're not going to kill you."

Webcke towed the party line that test football was not an imposition towards the business end of the NRL.

"We've all had a tough few weeks but as soon as you pull that jersey on you realise you have an important job to do and how so many have done so well before you."

While the Kangaroos are all nursing niggles from a tough six-week mixture of NRL and Origin, Queensland fullback Darren Lockyer has bigger worries.

He was unable to train at the match venue today although he is expected to participate when the Australians have their final session on Thursday.

If Lockyer is ruled out, Anthony Minichiello will make his debut at fullback and fellow Rooster Shannon Hegarty earns his first cap on the wing.

Anderson revealed five-eighth Shaun Timmins, who is initially pitted against surprise pick Willie Talau, will also alternate between five-eighth and lock as he did for New South Wales.

Utility Craig Wing, a more attacking option, will slot in at pivot when ordered.

The Kiwis upped their workload with two sessions today and coach Daniel Anderson was satisfied with their effort.

"We're getting ourselves organised and everything is going to plan," he said

He was aware of the conjecture surrounding Lockyer's availability but expected the Brisbane Broncos' star to lineup.

"We're not worrying about him but we are preparing for him to play."

The Kiwis train again today while the Kangaroos have a promotion visit to a shopping mall.