Cameron Murray realises there is a certain romanticism about the chance to join fellow South Sydney favourite son Ron Coote in Test history.
Coote remains the only Kangaroos forward to score tries in six consecutive Tests, a run he started at the 1968 World Cup and finished with tries in consecutive games against New Zealand the following year.
Should Murray cross the line against New Zealand at AAMI Park on Saturday, he will have repeated that feat following tries against Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand and Samoa at last year’s World Cup and his first-half four-pointer against Samoa two weeks ago.
Murray said the fact he had the chance to join a player like Coote, someone he has got to know over the years through their dealings at the Rabbitohs, was special.
“I didn’t know about the record until I scored in that last game, and it’s simply been a case of right place, right time, there’s no other explanation for it,” Murray told this masthead.
“Individual records sit a bit funny with me. We play such a team-driven and team-focused game.
Cameron Murray scores against Samoa.Credit: Getty
“But it would be nice to equal a record set by someone like Ronnie Coote.
“I see him at training every now and then. He turns up with Bobby McCarthy and Mike Cleary and a few of the other old boys.
“It’s more a respect thing with Ronnie. I’ve developed a decent relationship with him [over] the last few years – it’s nice to see the old boys show their support for the Rabbits.”
Coote said he never missed watching a Kangaroos Test match and loved knowing a fellow Rabbit was in contention to become just the second Roos’ forward since 1908 to score six games in a row.
“I think it’s a great story, I don’t remember my actual tries, but it’s nice to know Cam is a chance,” Coote said.
“I know him well. He’s a great kid, a great footballer, it will be a great honour for him and South Sydney if he can do it on Saturday.
“He’s a young bloke who has come through the grades, he’s only a little way into his career, but already he’s come so far.”
While Murray admires Coote, he also loves opposition coach Michael Maguire, the man who gave him his NRL start and is in line to take over the NSW Origin job.
Murray said it would be great if Maguire took the Blues’ top job.
“He instilled a lot of confidence in me as a young footballer, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him,” Murray said.
“I’m very grateful for all the lessons and experiences I had under him. I was looking forward to working with him longer than I did at the top level, so it would be good to link back up with him.”
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