Aussie coach Mal Meninga says his Kangaroos are hurting and their semi-final win against New Zealand was tougher than anything his men felt playing State of Origin or in the NRL Finals earlier this season.

“Physicality was a big thing all game with both teams going at each other,” Meninga told SEN.

“Even going through Origin, the finals and the Penrith guys obviously winning the grand final, the physicality of that game they haven’t experienced before.”