Ruben Wiki: Angry at defeat but plenty of positives

League is a simple game and our simple mistakes cost us dearly against a classy Australian side. We just needed to be more careful with possession in our own third and I was as guilty as anyone when I tried to push a pass that led to Shaun Berrigan's try.

Mistakes like that affect people in different ways and I'm not one to dwell on it - I'm old enough and ugly enough to cop it on the chin. That's what I told the rest of the guys during the match and I was impressed to see the way Jerome Ropati bounced back from a couple of mistakes to score two tries.

Jerome and the other debutantes, Benji Marshall and Frank Pritchard, all had great games and it was impressive to see the way they weren't intimidated by Australia but also not intimidated by wearing the black jersey for the first time. That's the reason why we create a family atmosphere in the Kiwis, so guys can feel comfortable straight away and it looks really encouraging for the future with so much Kiwi talent out there.

Because there were so many positives to come out of the game, it makes you really want to play Australia again next week. We hung in there and kept going to the final whistle and felt like we could compete with them.

Of course, the rugby league calendar is already full so there's not much chance of playing the Kangaroos on a more regular basis. If it was a choice between playing Australia in a three-test series and playing the Tri-series, I would pick the Tri-series every time because it is such a good concept and it sees the best three sides in the world going head to head at the end of the season.

One thing I would like to see, though, is a Kiwi State of Origin like the North-South idea that has been talked about. Friday night showed we need something above club football that prepares players better to be able to take on Australia, who are battle hardened by playing State of Origin.

They are such a classy side and we need to be at the top of our game every time to have a chance against them. I certainly don't think they have a psychological edge over us because, when it comes down to it, it's just 17 guys against 17 guys, but they showed again on Friday night why they are the world champions.

I'd love to be involved again in October for the Tri-Series but, for now, I'm just looking forward to getting back into the swing of things with the Warriors. After four weeks on the sidelines it's nice just to feel sore again.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY