Koloamatangi ready for either role as Kangaroos weigh final line-up
Pat Carrigan is named to start against New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium, but Australia changed its starting pack before the semi-final.
Keaon Koloamatangi says he remains unsure whether he will start Australia's Rugby League World Cup final against New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium, but is preparing for either role.
The prop began the 44-12 semi-final victory over Samoa despite being selected on the bench, with Pat Carrigan instead used as a reserve. Carrigan has again been selected in the starting side for the final.
Koloamatangi said he only learnt of his semi-final starting role at the captain's run and could face a similar wait for coach Kevin Walters' decision. He said his preparation would be unchanged regardless of when he entered the match.
He also defended Australia's forwards against criticism, saying he believed the pack was the best when its members performed at their peak. He said he had not personally felt disrespected by assessments of the group.
Koloamatangi said time spent together away from training had strengthened his connection with Carrigan, Cameron Murray, Reuben Cotter and captain Isaah Yeo, helping them combine on the field.
Australia won the teams' opening World Cup meeting 24-20. Koloamatangi said the Kangaroos had been dissatisfied with that performance but believed they had improved through the tournament.
