Steve Orme and Adam Lucius
Cooper Cronk says he is ready to go if needed as an 11th-hour replacement for injured Australian half-back Johnathan Thurston in Friday night's Centenary Test against New Zealand.
The Melbourne No.7 was rushed to Sydney on Thursday evening after Thurston rolled his left ankle at the Kangaroos' final training run.
Thurston remains in serious doubt after scans revealed a partially torn ligament, but the North Queensland superstar will continue to receive treatment overnight in a bid to play.
He will be given until kick-off to prove his fitness but Cronk is preparing as if he will play, declaring: "I think you have to. It's a lot easier to go that way than the other."
"I've come up here. I've got the boots and the mouthguard but I'm just on standby for now."
"As far as I know it's a case of standby. Knowing Johnathan as a bloke, he will be doing everything possible and the team will be doing everything possible for him to play."
Cronk was on his way to a go-karting track with Melbourne team-mates when the call came through for him to get to Sydney.
The Storm half-back played a significant role in Australia's record 58-0 win over New Zealand in October.
His selection has raised some eyebrows in rugby league circles with Scott Prince - who has been in career-best form for the Titans - overlooked as Thurston's deputy.
Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart took the unusual step of personally contacting Prince to explain why he was overlooked.
Cronk's combination with Melbourne team-mates, in particular hooker Cameron Smith and fullback Billy Slater, as well as his experience playing alongside pivot Greg Bird in the national side led to his selection.
"Obviously I know a few (of the) blokes inside out and (am) familiar with the boys who played there last year in the one-off Test - those sorts of things help you," Cronk said.