He’s the newest Joey in the Kangaroos side, but Test rookie Josh Jackson is under no illusions about the task Australia faces in their Four Nations rugby league final against New Zealand.
The highly rated Bulldogs back rower became the ninth Australian Test debutant of the tournament, when he came off the bench in Sunday’s 44-18 thumping of Samoa in Wollongong.
The victory secured Australia’s place in Saturday’s final in Wellington against a New Zealand side that inflicted a 30-12 defeat on Australia in the first round of matches back on October 25 in Brisbane.
“The first week was really disappointing, but the last couple of weeks the boys have put in a couple of good performances,” Jackson said at Sydney Airport on Monday.
“But there’s still a lot that we can improve on.”
While he’s an international novice, Jackson knows exactly what to expect from the New Zealand forwards should he get the call to face them from coach Tim Sheens.
“New Zealand have always had a really strong forward pack,” Jackson said.
“They play their game through the middle and they do it well, so it will be a good test for us.
“Any time we go over to New Zealand it’s a tough game. They’ve been a quality side for a number of years now.
“We’ve got to give them the respect and try and hold on to the ball and do the simple things to try and win the game.”
Sunday’s game was another landmark in the rising career of the well regarded Bulldogs forward.
While he has yet to represent NSW at Origin level, he is no stranger to the big occasion.
Jackson played in two losing Bulldogs grand final sides in 2012 and 2014 but Kangaroos selection fulfilled a childhood dream.
“After getting off the field last night, I thought to myself `I’ve just played for Australia,'” Jackson said.
“As a kid, that’s all I wanted to do, so thats a very surreal moment.”
“Growing up watching players like Greg Inglis and Cameron Smith on the television and being part of their team and training with guys like that, I guess you just learn different things from them.”
“You take the experience and soak it up. I’ve really enjoyed it.”
