I'm here to learn - Kangaroos bolter says he's not up to the Test
AUSTRALIAN rugby league's newest ironman Luke Douglas says he doesn't yet measure up to a Kangaroos jersey.
The biggest bolter in the train-on squad named last week, 21-year-old Douglas has been measuring himself against Dally M prop of the year Steve Price.
Douglas, who has played 48 games straight for the Sharks since making his NRL debut last year, said Price should be the first prop picked for Australia's Test against New Zealand on October 14.
The Yamba junior has been studying footage of the 33-year-old to try to take his own game a step forward next season.
"I've sat with a few boys and watched videos of Steve Price this season to see why he's so effective," Douglas said. "I suppose you mould your game on guys like him and Petero (Civoniceva). Price bends the line every time he runs the ball. He does a bit of footwork at the line and he can always get 10m.
"Steve Price surely has to be in (the Australian Test team)."
But how does Douglas, a 2005 Australian Schoolboys representative, measure up against Australia's two premier props?
He finished the season in the NRL's top five for tackles, with more than 35 a match, ahead of Civoniceva (31) and Price (27.6).
But Douglas wants to tinker with his attack, increasing his number of hit-ups and offloads and boosting his size to a massive 112kg by next season.
Douglas made a strong 107m gain per game this year, compared with Price's incredible 199m a match.
"We've sat down (at the Sharks) and talked about goals, and I'd like my metres to improve next year," Douglas said.
"I don't pass much in a game, but I know I can.
"It's just a matter of having the confidence to do it in a game."
Douglas said he had enjoyed a dream run since his debut in 2006.
Cronulla and Australian coach Ricky Stuart had told him he could be a future representative player, but Douglas didn't expect to be considered so early in his career.
"I've got a long way to go before I play for Australia," he said.
"There's plenty of front-rowers there. I've probably got a fair bit to go till I'm at my best."
Douglas said he had not been burned out by two strenuous seasons.
"I'm only new to it all so I haven't had to deal with 10 pre-seasons," he said.
"I've had a few niggly injuries but I've got through them. I'm still feeling all right."
