'I'll do everything I can': Dearden ready for Munster challenge

Tom Dearden has vowed to fight to retain his Kangaroos No.6 jersey after overcoming initial nerves when called up for the Pacific Championships in place of the injured Cameron Munster.

Dearden, who also deputised for Munster at five-eighth in the Queensland team during this year’s State of Origin, was man-of-the-match in Sunday’s 20-14 Pacific Cup final defeat of Tonga at CommBank Stadium.

The Cowboys captain admitted it had taken him time to settle into the role but after laying on three of Australia’s four tries in the Pacific Cup final he is determined to keep his place for next year’s Ashes series against England.

“Playing for Australia you get to play alongside the best players in the world,” Dearden said.

“The first couple of games I was probably warming into it and getting used to combining with the other players in the team so it was nice that we could put in a good performance to cap it off.

“I loved the experience, but I know there's some quality players in the same position as me.

“Cameron Munster's coming back from injury so he will probably slot back in, but I’d sure love to be a part of this team so it's up to me to make sure that I do everything I can.”

With Munster, halfback Nathan Cleary, second-rower Liam Martin, prop Payne Haas and winger Val Holmes unavailable for the Pacific Championships through injury, coach Mal Meninga blooded seven debutants.

After the new-look Kangaroos avenged last year’s record 30-0 loss to New Zealand in the Pacific Cup final, Meninga said players would need to fight for positions in the Australian team.

“There is always competition for spots in the Kangaroos and most international teams, of course,” Meninga said.

“That’s great for us, great for the game and great for Tom. I feel that his confidence has grown over the three games, and his belief that he belongs in this arena and he belongs in the No.6 jersey.

“It probably took him three games. It’s all around Tom believing in Tom and once he gets that on a regular basis he is a terrific player.”

Dearden was one of Queensland’s best in a losing State of Origin series and thrived in his leadership role at the Cowboys after being appointed as co-captain alongside Kangaroos prop Reuben Cotter.

Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic was another Australian player who impressed after being recalled for his first Test appearance in six years.

Trbojevic initially feared he would again miss the opportunity to represent for the Kangaroos after battling through the pain of a shoulder injury in the finals but when told that he did not require surgery the Manly star made himself available.

“It's not an easy thing to give up playing for your country. I have made no secret that I want to play in this jersey as much as I can,” said Trbojevic.

“Obviously you’ve got to do the right thing by Manly and not do anything stupid.

Originally the doctor thought need [surgery], but when we went and saw the shoulder surgeon, he had to look at it and said that I would best off resting up.

“Once I got the advice and was told that I didn’t need surgery we just moved forward, and I was lucky to be picked by Mal.”

Playing at right centre, Trbojevic scored two tries in the final and had another disallowed, while also crossing in the opening match of the tournament against Tonga in Brisbane.

“He loves putting the jersey on and we were happy to give it to him,” Meninga said.

“He’s a tremendous player, we all know that. He’s one of the best players in the competition. He’s low maintenance, a great player and very reliable."