Test rookie Sione Mata'utia is as level headed and self assured as the player he'll surpass as the youngest ever Kangaroo, Israel Folau, according to Australian back-rower Ryan Hoffman.
Folau debuted alongside Hoffman in the 2007 end of year 58-0 thrashing of the Kiwis in 2007 and Mata'utia will also play his first Test alongside the Warriors recruit in Sunday's Four Nations clash with England at AAMI Stadium.
Hoffman said the ultra-talented duo are different types of players but like Folau, who scored a double on debut in the record win, Mata'utia was ready for what Test football would throw at him.
"In terms of how they approach the game, they don't let the little things worry them, they don't let the occasion worry them," Hoffman said on Wednesday.
"I thought it was something special when Izzy played in his Test debut in 2007, and this will be too.
"Izzy was just a kid then but to see Sione, he is wise beyond his years.
"He is mature and confident without being cocky.
"I was impressed with him in Papua New Guinea (for the PM's XIII match).
"It was a hostile environment especially for a young rookie and the way he performed was an inspiration for all young players.
"Age is just a number, if you are willing to get in there and have a go you can match it with the good players."
Hoffman said Mata'utia is the sort of hard running winger who can make metres out of his own end - just the thing that the Kangaroos will need against the massive English pack.
"Izzy was a great finisher and a big strider on the wing, Sione gets down and does all the hard stuff, he is a tough runner, he does all the dirty work," Hoffman said.
"Izzy was a bit shy back then but Sione is quite an outgoing young man."
Dumped to the bench for the must-win match against England after Australia's 30-12 loss to New Zealand on Saturday, Hoffman said it was a fate he has accepted ahead of his first representative game in the Victorian capital before he moves to Auckland to join the Warriors for the 2015 NRL season
"It wasn't one of my better games," Hoffman said.
"There were some areas I wasn't quite happy with, I contributed to our poor first half completions.
"Errors happen but you need to defend them and our defence is one area we need to work on."
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