No nerves for Kangaroos Test rookie

Cool Kangaroos rookie Sione Mata’utia says he’s just going to do his thing when he makes history against England at Melbourne’s AAMI Park on Sunday.

An NRL unknown at the start of the year, Mata’utia will eclipse Israel Folau as the youngest Australian rugby league Test debutant in their must-win Four Nations encounter.

With just seven NRL games to his name, the Newcastle utility back is a rookie even by first grade standard, but the 18-year-old insists nerves are not troubling him ahead of his Test debut.

“I’m not nervous, I’m just looking forward to it,” Mata’utia told reporters at training on Wednesday.

“I’m just going to do my thing, make some carries and hold my own in defence.

“I am treating it is just another game, just another game of rugby league.

“It is a really great opportunity for me and I just want to go out there and do my best.

“I’ll just stay relaxed in the week and be ready to go on Sunday.”

Mata’utia was a fan of Folau as a youngster growing up and said he was humbled to take the record over from the dual international.

Mata’utia will be only 18 years and 129 days old when he makes his Test debut, 65 days younger than Israel Folau was when he starred against New Zealand in 2007.

“It is a real honour,” Mata’utia said.

“To go past guys like Israel Folau and Brad Fittler is hard to believe.

“They were guys I really looked up to growing up and it is going to be great running out onto AAMI Park on Sunday.

“My friends and family are going to be there and I’m sure we will have a lot of support.

“It is an important game for the team and I can’t wait.”

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