Menzies overjoyed at Kangaroos call-up
Manly veteran Steve Menzies says he is surprised by his shock call-up for the Anzac Test, admitting he felt his chances of playing rugby league again for Australia had passed him by.
Menzies, 32, played the last of his 14 Tests for the Kangaroos in October 2002 - Australia's 32-24 victory over New Zealand in Wellington - and felt he was at long odds to be selected to face the Kiwis in next Friday's Test match at Suncorp Stadium.
"Awesome, mate, very happy," Menzies said when told of his selection after the Sea Eagles 23-22 NRL win over Parramatta.
"That's a bit of icing on the cake just after winning a game.
"When you miss out for a couple of years you fear you're not going to make it again.
"This is just a bonus this year."
Menzies, who earlier picked up the man-of-the-match award in Manly's thrilling victory at the SCG, said his selection was an unexpected "surprise" as he nears the end of a glittering career.
"I've been happy with the way I'm playing, we're winning games for Manly," he said.
"I've just been worrying about my (club) footy so this is a bit of a bonus.
"You keep playing for things like that.
"As long as it isn't affecting your club games, you hold out hope every year.
"Every season you think you may retire (from representative football), so I'm just happy to get a chance.
"I'm a little bit surprised, but very happy."
His latest Test cap is also likely to push up his asking price should the veteran second rower decide to extend his career beyond next season.
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