Petero Civoniceva believes the future of the Australian engine room is in safe hands - but the veteran front rower isn't ready to hand over the keys just yet.

Civoniceva produced yet another powerful performance in the Kangaroos' 46-16 win over England in Saturday's Four Nations final at Elland Road, a match which saw the Penrith skipper eclipse rugby league Immortal Johnny Raper's record of 39 Tests for an Australian forward.

Making the way he carried the Australian pack through the tournament even more remarkable was the fact he came into the tour cold, having not played since the second State of Origin clash in June due to a toe injury.

He was also forced to go head-to-head with the likes of Fuifui Moimoi, Jamie Peacock and Adrian Morley without regular running mate Steve Price by his side, but the performances of Ben Hannant, David Shillington and Brett White have him confident that there is plenty of depth in the front row stocks.

"We've got some great young props coming through and I think the future looks good for the Test team," said Civoniceva, who saved special mention for Hannant.

"Early days at the Broncos seeing part of his (Hannant's) development and seeing him work so hard to get through the grades, get a crack at first grade and then he's the Dally M prop of the year, a great Origin campaign.

"It's great just to get the chance to share that moment with him."

Despite Australia not being due to tour England again until 2011, 33-year-old Civoniceva refused to rule out another tour to the Old Dart, claiming the desire to play representative football was as great as ever.

"It's a year-to-year proposition," Civoniceva said.

"I still feel good but I know there's a standard I have to uphold.

"I'll always try and put my hand up for it and if selectors don't choose me, then it's probably time to finish up my rep career.

"I'm still looking forward to next year."

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