KEY POINTS:
BRISBANE - There could not have been greater contrast between atmospheres at the Kangaroos and Kiwis trainings in Brisbane yesterday.
A heavy pall hung over the Kangaroos' session at the Eastern Suburbs ground Langlands Park due largely to the standoff between Willie Mason and the media plus media criticism of the selection of out-of-form players - especially the six Broncos.
Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart has refused to speak to journalists, yesterday walking straight past the scrum of recorders and cameras to conduct discussions with trainers in midfield.
The team filed off the bus and studiously ignored reporters. The only words spoken were "get off Tatey's back", referring to calls that wing Brent Tate does not deserve his place.
The Bulldogs captain Andrew Ryan spoke on the team's behalf for a few minutes and delivered nothing but diplomatic comment and sporting cliche.
The Aussies are copping plenty of criticism for failing to do anything to promote the game, as they did this time last year when they chose to prepare in Sydney.
They have repeatedly changed their schedule, twice making late calls to shift training times to coincide with the Kiwis, presumably to screen off the media focus.
By comparison, the Kiwis turned up at the Davies Park ground for the South Logan club and coach Brian McClennan held an all-up press conference, did individual interviews with reporters and then invited the media to talk to any of the players.
Asked to comment on the difference in approach, McClennan said there was nothing they could do about the Kangaroos. "We'll just do our bit to help promote the test." The Kiwis wanted to concentrate on their game, keep things low-key and enjoy their camp.
They were relaxed in interviews yesterday. That comfortable feeling, as opposed to the cut-the-air-with-a-knife feeling at Langlands Park, may pay dividends. The last thing the Kiwis want is to be over-wound, so they try too hard and make unforced errors.
In contrast to previous test build-ups, there have been few barbs issued by players on either side. The biggest mouth of all, Willie Mason, is out of the picture, having placed a media ban on himself.
Kiwis second rower Frank Pritchard offered the prediction that the Kiwis were on the cusp of several years of domination of international league - the Kangaroos prop Luke Bailey replied that they would teach New Zealand a lesson at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night.
"Which lessons do they want to teach us?" McClennan responded.
Kiwis wing Manu Vatuvei trained with a heavily strapped right knee and thigh as did Kangaroos halfback Johnathan Thurston but both are expected to play.
The Australians have started making noises about the eligibility of Aussie-born Brent Webb to play again for the Kiwis now that he is no longer resident in New Zealand.
Webb qualified to represent New Zealand after playing for three years with the Warriors.
The Australian Rugby League has stated it has no problem with Webb continuing to play for New Zealand. But some have found rules which suggest he might not be eligible.
