James Tedesco is preparing to expect the unexpected when the Gallagher Australian Kangaroos face off against an unknown quantity in the Samoan spine hoping to lead the Pacific nation to an upset win.
Samoa coach Ben Gardiner has selected one-match rookies Sualauvi Faalogo at fullback and Gordon Chan Kum Tong at hooker, with Stephen Crichton - usually a strike centre - in the halves, in the absence of injured five-eighth Jarome Luai.
However, despite outgunning them in experience across the key positions, Tedesco wasn't about to take their Rugby League World Cup final opponents lightly, given how much pride there was to play for.
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"Obviously, his strength is his running game, so that's going to be a big part of his game," Tedesco said of Crichton. "He's got all the skills in the world and he's a footy player, so he's definitely going to create some opportunities that I'm sure.
“He's just a footy player, so I think him having his hands on the ball more, it’s going to be a good thing for the Samoan team.
“He's actually got a pretty good boot on him and a good pass on him, so I'm sure he'll have a lot of involvement and a lot of things will revolve around him.
"We know what Critta is like, he plays well in big games especially, so for us (it will be important) to shut him down as best as possible."
The Australian captain, playing in his 11th match for Australia, also had kind words for his opposing fullback Faalogo, who was somewhat of a surprise selection to start, given the Storm talent's lack of experience in the NRL.
"He's an exciting young player for sure," Tedesco said.
"You can see when he carries the ball back, he's got light feet and a lot of speed, so definitely have to keep an eye on him, but I'm sure he'll be looking to have a good game for sure."
Tedesco backed the speed of his own team to provide the thrills in Townsville, with the Kangaroos boasting the likes of noted speedsters Selwyn Cobbo and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in their backline.
"At training, just to have that speed outside of me, makes my job a bit easier," Tedesco said of debutant centre pairing Tabuai-Fidow and Kotoni Staggs.
"On both edges, (we) have lightning speed and power, so it definitely helps me and I'm looking forward to getting out there with those guys for sure."
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While Tedesco was looking forward to seeing the pace and agility of the Kangaroos backs on display, Australia coach Mal Meninga was anticipating a tough match in the middle and was also wary of underestimating their opponents.
"We've got a lot of experience in the key positions and I think, that's one of our assets," Meninga said.
"We'll see what happens though, because sometimes, attitude and enthusiasm beats talent and we want to show the right attitude and energy tomorrow night to overcome the Samoan side who will be desperate to win.
"They have got some big, mobile, skilful forwards; quite quick across the ground too, in their forward pack.
"Stephen Crichton had an outstanding year, Brian To’o, Izack Tago; they've got a really good footy team, the young kid (Faalogo) at the back, he can certainly play, he's got plenty of speed.
"So we're mindful of all that and we're going to be very respectful of it all as well and that's why we need to be at our best tomorrow."
Meninga was also counting on his skipper Tedesco to provide the required leadership for the squad, with the Kangaroos naming with a number of players making their debut. A vocal supporter of the Roosters captain, the Australian coach backed Tedesco to step up once more, despite some strong challengers emerging for the fullback position this season.
“Teddy's a great leader and the way that he carries himself in the green and gold jersey, he's very proud," Meninga said.
"He's passionate about it, which is fantastic. He's a winner and he leads the way.
"Through the week; (he has shown) he loves the camaraderie of the national team.
"I have said before, we've had a good week and he's led that and we're a pretty well connected group today and we'll be connected tomorrow and a lot of that work comes from Teddy."