Australian captain Cameron Smith has backed Dylan Walker to bounce back from his horror Test debut in the Kangaroos must-win Four Nations clash against England.

Walker was shifted from his customary centre spot to the unfamiliar fullback role in Australia’s loss to New Zealand last week, after Greg Inglis couldn’t take the field in the second half due to an illness.

The South Sydney premiership winner dropped several towering Shaun Johnson bombs at the back that led to Kiwi tries in an international debut to forget.

But with Inglis having recovered, Smith predicted Walker to excel at AAMI Park on Sunday.

“I think he is aware that he had a bit of an off night but he is not the only player in the team that did that,” Smith said on Friday.

“Everyone in our side had areas in their game that they were not happy with

“GI is over his illness so let’s hope Dylan can keep his centre position because I thought he was outstanding for the Rabbitohs this year

“He is one of the most dynamic centres I have seen play the game in a long time.

“He can step off both feet, he is powerful, and we are hoping that he can get some opportunities this week.”

Melbourne skipper Smith said he was looking forward to playing alongside Sione Mata’utia who will become the youngest Kangaroo debutant.

“He played one of his seven NRL games for Newcastle against the Storm and he was pretty impressive,” Smith said.

“He is only a young guy, but he is pretty confident the two weeks that we have been together he is quite vocal for a young fellow.

“He is another bloke who has got great pace, he is powerful and that is what you need from your wingers and your fullback, you need big guys who can carry the ball well and carry it often .”