Kangaroos second-rower Angus Crichton has seen enough of Joseph Suaali'i at the Roosters to know the threat he poses in Sunday’s World Cup Final, but knowing it and stopping it are two entirely different beasts.
Crichton made his Test debut in Fiji in round two and has been a star on the left edge for Mal Meninga as the defending champions have marched into their ninth consecutive World Cup decider.
Suaali'i debuted in the tournament opener against England and has made a huge impression, averaging 221 metres per game during Samoa’s emotional charge to Old Trafford.
Having played 23 games alongside Suaali'i during the past two seasons, Crichton has watched in awe as the 19-year-old has commanded the world stage with the same poise he displays in the NRL.
“You’d think coming into first grade at 18, the hype would get to you and make you act a certain way or think a certain way, but that’s not the case with Joseph,” said Crichton.
“I’ve never seen a kid like Joseph, he’s a quality player and a quality person and as soon as he steps over that white line he’s a savage and that’s what I love about him.
Rugby League World Cup Semi Final Wrap
“He’s a smart kid, he works hard, and he has a good head on his shoulders. He looks after his body, he looks after his mind, he’s diligent.
“In my career I’ve never seen a 19-yearold who does that kind of thing, He’s a special kid, a special talent and there’s no chance he will be overawed on that stage.
“This is my first time playing against Joey so it should be fun.”
Finally getting a crack at international level after seven years and 141 games in the NRL, Crichton is making every second count as part of a Kangaroos side chasing a third straight World Cup.
The 26-year-old back-rower has two tries to his name and is churning out 109 running metres per game as part of an Australian side battle hardened after a rugged semi-final win over arch-rivals New Zealand.
“I never had the opportunity to represent my country as an adult before this tour so to be able to represent Australia and pull on the green and gold jersey has been an honour for sure,” Crichton said.
“This will be the biggest game of my career – it means a lot to me and my team. We’ve been over here for six weeks now so we’re a very tight group.
“I’ll just be trying to hold my cool [at the anthem] and not play my game before I’m out on the field but you think about your family, the people back home, the work you had to do to get here, and then just get ready to go out and do them proud.”
Match Highlights: Australia v New Zealand
Most expected it to be home nation England staring down the Kangaroos in Manchester, but Samoa have shown great resolve to recover from a 60-6 loss to the hosts in round one to book their ticket to the big dance.
With Junior Paulo providing the muscle and Jarome Luai the magic, the boys in blue stunned the rugby league world by knocking England out in golden point and they are confident they can cut down another tall poppy this weekend.
“They have strike across the park and we know what they are going to be bringing. They can all carry, they can all pass, they are all hungry,” Crichton said.
“I wasn’t surprised they would come back after that first loss to England because I knew they would have a chip on their shoulder.
“It’s cool what they are doing for their country and their people and I love how proud they are of their heritage.”
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