Kangaroos tune up for Scotland clash

The Kangaroos have settled into their training base in Manchester ahead of their first match of the Four Nations tournament against Scotland on Friday.

Australia will play The Bravehearts in Hull to open the Four Nations in the first of six pool matches. The game will kick-off at 6.00am AEDT on Saturday, October 29 (5.00am in Queensland).

Kangaroos centre Josh Dugan said the squad had already started to acclimatise to the UK time zone and conditions.  

"We had a bit of a blow-out in the cardio room and did a bit of weights. We had a couple of days off but now we're starting the preparations for Scotland," Dugan said.

"It's always good to be in these camps with the quality of players we've got. 

"I think the weather may be a bit of a factor but we are going to prepare as best we can and go out there and do everyone at home proud."

Dugan is keen to continue his right-side partnership with winger Blake Ferguson for the Kangaroos and could come up against St George Illawarra Dragons teammate Euan Aitken, who has been selected in the Scotland squad.

North Queensland Cowboys backs Lachlan Coote and Kane Linnett, and former Gold Coast Titans prop Luke Douglas could also line up for Scotland against Australia. Douglas recently signed a three-year deal with Super League club St Helens.

"We're looking to win all our games and make that final, and it all starts with Scotland," Dugan said.

"It's a bit of an unknown, we don't really know what to expect, but I'm really looking forward to the game and getting another Test cap."

Mal Meninga's side tuned up for the Four Nations with a win over New Zealand in Perth last week and are expected to easily account for Scotland in Hull before games against New Zealand in Coventry on November 5 and a clash with England in London on November 13.

Meninga has his squad based in Manchester to start the tournament, with Dugan impressed by the local facilities.

"They're awesome. We did a bit of cryotherapy yesterday and they have a state-of-the-art recovery facility," he said.

"The gym is really good as well. 

"We're not going to have any excuses about where we're training and it's great to have these sorts of things available to us."

Author: 
www.nrl.com