Inu you could do it

Krisnan Inu won his biggest victory before the kick-off in last Friday night's Test against Australia at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. New Zealand coach Brian McClennan had plucked the 20-year-old centre from Parramatta's Premier League to make his debut as an international fullback.

It wasn't just a vote of confidence it was a risk which could destroy the confidence of any young player if he the occasion defeated him. Inu wasn't an experienced campaigner like an Olsen Filipaina, plucked from reserve grade to humble Wally Lewis and Australia.

Inu had virtually no NRL experience; he was a promising youngster on the way up and on a downer to nothing. So it's surprising to hear Inu say: ''I wasn't nervous at the kick-off.''

The reason? ''I had my parents Fay and Marlo and sister Lynette there,'' said Inu. '

'And I had lots of messages and calls from my cousins, close friends, my church and teammates. It took a lot of the burden off my shoulders.

''I am very grateful to Parramatta for flying my parents up.''

An upbeat Inu earned admiring comments for his assured debut, despite New Zealand's 30-6 loss. ''The coach just told me to play my own game and do the little things right. After the game he said he was impressed, he was pretty positive and said it was a steep learning curve and we were a young team.''

Although it was the biggest thrill of his young life, Inu said: ''It was a massive step up, playing against the best in the world and the hardest thing was that it was much faster.'' Inu had scarcely played against Eels clubmate Nathan Hindmarsh and here he had been facing him in green and gold.

''It was strange after looking up to him so much at training and playing. I only tackled him once, when he scored his try.'' Inu said the Australians hadn't sledged him during the match and had congratulated him afterwards. He added it hadn't been hard coming back to earth at Parramatta Stadium for the Premier League match on Sunday.

''I was happy to just play football and see the boys again but the Test will definitely build my confidence.''

Now that coach McClennan has made it clear Inu is part of his World Cup plans for next year, only injury stands between him and further Tests. He's already conquered the fear, with more than a little help from his friends.