Don't tell the Kangaroos the exhibition game against the US was a waste of time.

Australian skipper Darren Lockyer has defended the tour-ending clash with the Tomahawks, saying it was important that the rugby league minnows got to play against the code's heavyweights.

"We need to develop the nations that aren't in the top level. We've got to give those countries a start in the big games and that's what the trip to America was about," Lockyer said.

The match was a lot closer than anybody had expected, with Australia running out 36-24 winners, but only after trailing 24-6 at halftime.

The scoreline may have flattered the home side, with the Australians still feeling the effects from the previous weekend's success in the Tri-Nations final, but it did prove that the US was at least on the right track ahead of the 2008 World Cup.

"The French and American teams both tested us right to the last minutes of the game so that's good for rugby league," Lockyer said.

"It can only be a good thing for when the World Cup comes around in 2008."

South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson was one of the more outspoken critics of the clash, saying the game wasn't worth the injury risk.

"You take the risk when it really matters and it's for the great of the game but I'm not sure the American match is for the great of the game," Richardson said before the match.

Bulldogs officials may be thinking the same thing now after the injury to giant forward Willie Mason. Mason will spend up to four months on the sidelines after sustaining ligament damage in his toe during the match.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP