Cronk, Slater and Smith to play a key role for Kangaroos

Australian Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga believes having players such as skipper Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater who have played for more than a decade together will help any team.

The three are regarded as the best players in their respective positions and recently helped the Melbourne Storm to the NRL title and Meninga is hopeful they will be an integral part of their Rugby League World Cup title defence.

Meanwhile, Cameron Smith believes the matches against the Vodafone Fiji Bati and PNG Kumuls will be a physical one.

He says the Captain’s run was great and the new players in the team looked sharp and they are hopeful they will put on a strong performance tonight.

Former Fiji Bati captain Petero Civoniceva is also hopeful that the Tri-Nations series tonight will help coach Mick Potter pick the right combinations.

The Tri‑Nations Series starts at 5.30 this afternoon with the Vodafone Fiji Bati taking on the PNG Kumuls, the Kangaroos will face the Kumuls in the second game before the Bati take on the Kangaroos in the last game at 7.30 tonight.

Each game will be played for 40 minutes.