League: Kiwis needs to keep defensive concentration, says Whatuira

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Kiwi centre Paul Whatuira says New Zealand will have to ensure their defence is rock solid to counter the attacking threat posed by Australia in the tri-nations rugby league test tomorrow.

Whatuira made his international debut the last time the two teams met, when the Kangaroos took advantage of Kiwi errors to run out 37-10 winners in Newcastle in April.

He said concentration would be a key when the trans-Tasman rivals clash again at Auckland's North Harbour Stadium.

"We just have to be on our game, especially defensively," he said.

"We have to look out for all 13 players in the Australian team. We have to do our job well marking our man, and hopefully that will be enough to hold them out."

Whatuira admitted he had mixed emotions about the Anzac test six months ago.

Getting his first cap was a great experience, but the margin of the loss didn't make for fond memories.

There had been "good vibes between the boys" in the test build-up this week and the Kiwis would be ready for the Kangaroos.

After three seasons with Penrith, including an NRL title last year, Whatuira is heading for Wests Tigers next season.

The 24-year-old Wellingtonian, noted for his workrate and reliability, is making the move because of salary cap restrictions at the Panthers.

He has signed for three years with the Tigers and said he was looking forward to working with premiership-winning coach Tim Sheens.

"It's pretty sad to leave Penrith, because I've got a lot of friends there," he said.

"But I've also got a lot of good memories and it's time to move on."

- NZPA