Manly half-back Daly Cherry-Evans says the experiences Jake Trbojevic will gain from the Four Nations tournament will be of enormous benefit to the Sea Eagles in 2017.
Trbojevic will make his Australian Test debut at lock against the Scotland Bravehearts in Hull in the opening match of the Four Nations tournament.
Cherry-Evans, Manly’s last Test player, scored for the Kangaroos in his Test debut against Wales in the Four Nations tournament in 2011. He has now played 11 Tests for Australia.
“Jake will bring back home an eagerness to continue to train harder to make sure he can establish himself, to make sure (playing for Australia) is not a one off,’’ Cherry-Evans said.
“Getting that taste of wearing the green and gold only makes you hungrier to stay there.
“He will also learn about the importance of preparation at a rep level. One of the big things I’ve taken from playing with those current Australian players, and under (Kangaroos) coach Mal Meninga at Origin level, is how important your preparation is, especially as Australia will always field a competitive side.
“It is about those 17 players preparing the best they can to represent their country in the best possible way.”
Cherry-Evans says the Trbojevic family will experience plenty of emotions when Jake lines up for the biggest game of his short career.
“The Test debut itself is an extremely proud moment to take a look back on what it is, or what you have done, to work tirelessly to get to that position,’’ Cherry-Evans added.
“Every player in the NRL wants to play rep footy. That is the dream and Jake is about to do the absolute pinnacle of that. He will be bursting at the seams to get out there and show why he deserves to be there.
“And whilst you are happy to be in the green and gold jersey, I believe the people that have played a role in you getting there are even more prouder.
“In Jake’s case, it is his brothers, his family, the people who have gone through the hardest parts with you as you chase that dream of representing Australia.
“I have no doubt they will enjoy the moment, if not more than Jake.
“This is a fantastic achievement for the family. Jake is now a Kangaroo, his name will be in the record books. It is something that can never be undone.”
The Australia versus Scotland match at KC Lightstream Stadium, Hull, will be shown live on Channel Nine’s Gem Network at 6am Saturday (AEDT).
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