Kangaroos v PNG: Matt Prior had only met Mal Meninga once before — but it left an impression
CRONULLA front-rower Matt Prior had only met Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga once before joining the PM’s XIII — but it left a lasting impression.
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MATT Prior’s brief interaction with Australian coach Mal Meninga had left a mark on the Cronulla front-rower. Before arriving to join Meninga’s PM’s XIII side, Prior had only met Meninga once.
It was last year when Sharks coach Shane Flanagan drafted Meninga in to lead Cronulla with a pre-game talk in the lead-up to a match against the Broncos in Brisbane last year.
The speech resonated with Prior.
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“He spoke about not letting opportunities go by and how big of a game it was and that we needed to bind together to get the result,” Prior said. “We didn’t get the result but we definitely got a lot out of the chat.
“I feel like it’s a player managing type style. Trusting your mate and doing the little things for the team. It’s the team first mentality — that was big.
“He’s very calming around the boys and knows his footy. He’s been really good.”
Our #PMsXIII team has arrived in PNG!
— Australian Kangaroos (@Kangaroos) October 4, 2018
Awesome ðŸ˜#GoTheRoos #RISE pic.twitter.com/zZRiQTEavS
Prior now has a chance to push his cause for Kangaroos selection. While the Australia side has already picked — a host of players including props Aaron Woods, David Klemmer and Reagan Campbell-Gillard will turn out for the PM’s XIII.
An injury could pave the way for Prior to make his Test debut after a strong showing for NSW in game two.
“It’s definitely an opportunity to put in a strong performance and you never know what could happen,” Prior said. “It’s a chance to showcase my skills and whatever happens.
“I wasn’t really thinking about anything except going on holidays and having a bit of a break.
“To get picked is pretty good. I wasn’t expecting but I don’t think I ever thought I wasn’t a chance of making a team. I was planning a trip to Bali with my partner, I wasn’t really thinking rep teams or anything like that.
“I definitely would like to play in as many rep teams as I can — that’s always a bit of a goal of mine. But whatever comes about I’m happy either way.”
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