Australia coach Tim Sheens admits motivation is a concern that must be addressed before Saturday’s rugby league Test against New Zealand in Townsville.

While donning the green and gold has long been a career high point for players’ career, the scheduling of the Test has Sheens well aware one of his tasks this week is firing his team up for a one-off match at the end of a draining NRL season.

It seems the main source of inspiration is simply the desire to come out on top as they continue their long-standing rivalry with the Kiwis.

“There is a little bit of (a struggle for motivation) with nothing happening at the end of the season, and the end of a long season for them,” Sheens told reporters on Sunday.

“But it is a Test match and they have a high respect for New Zealand that’s for sure, given the closeness of the battles in recent years.

“They (The Kiwis) have picked a very strong squad. I think in that regard, yes, there’ll be plenty of respect but motivation-wise we need to get it done, then they can go on holidays.”

Sheens admitted the expected sweltering conditions at Dairy Farmers Stadium would be a factor but said it wouldn’t be his main focus.

That will be getting the players who missed out on finals football, and those who haven’t represented Australia recently, up to speed.

“We came up a day early to try and (acclimatise),” Sheens said.

“We were out at dinner (on Saturday) night at about game time, it wasn’t too bad. It was quite pleasant.

“I’d rather be here now than in December. Conditions will play a part but both teams are going to have to suffer that.

“… We’ve got a pretty tough schedule in front of us. We want to get ready.

“A few of the guys haven’t played for a while. And although we’ve played a fair bit of footy together, we’ve got a some new faces in the side as well. So we need to get all that right.”

Sheens also quashed rumours that Dally M medal-winner Ben Barba, who was not named in the 18-man squad, was poised to be a late inclusion for a bench spot.