Not least because it's Cameron Smith's 50th Test, which will be a special night not just for him but the Kangaroos' three amigos.

Johnathan Thurston will draw the curtain on his representative career after the Rugby League World Cup and Cooper Cronk's future is up in the air as he's yet to decide who, if anyone, he plays for next season following his move to Sydney for love.

Smith becomes just the second player to make the half century, with fellow Queenslander Darren Lockyer the only other to make the milestone.

Throw in the fact a strong New Zealand Kiwis side will be desperate to win the final Anzac Test, it makes for a cracking contest at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.

Channel Nine commentator Lewis, who will be in Canberra to call the game, said representing your country should be the "greatest honour" in the game.

His proudest moments came when he was wearing the green and gold - and his most disappointing whenever he lost a Test.

"The decision that was made is going to attach a fair bit of emotion to the game," Lewis said.

"It's certainly sad in that respect, but seems to be a never ending issue with when is the best time to play these games.

"But they'll always be spoken about, they'll never be forgotten and it really is a shame because for many, many years we loved playing for our club, we loved playing for our states, but surely international football was the be-all and end-all of rugby league."

Smith said it was a great honour to join Lockyer, who ended his career with 59 caps to his name.

He grew up idolising Lockyer, making the milestone of joining such a legend all the more special.

The 33-year-old could still remember the first time he pulled on the Kangaroos jersey - against New Zealand in Auckland back in 2006.

Smith recalls how nervous he was, along with the disbelief that he'd actually realised his childhood dream.

But it wasn't all about Smith. The champion also realises it's a chance to share the occasion with a couple of mates.

"There's a few other things happening as well. Johnathan's playing his last year in representative football as well," he said.

"This is the last Anzac Test he's playing in, we all are, but he's finishing up this year so it's not just my milestone this week.

"We don't know where Cooper Cronk is at the moment with his career going forward.

"There's probably a few guys in this team that won't be playing too many more games in the green and gold so we want to make it a special night for everyone."

Cronk re-iterated on Wednesday he was still undecided on his future, apart from leaving the Melbourne Storm at season's end to move to Sydney and be closer to fiancee Tara Rushton.

This will be the last Anzac Test because it's come under fire from some quarters, but Cronk was still adamant international league was the pinnacle.

He said the reason why would be on display when he stands across from the Kiwis as they perform their fabled war dance.

"Any time you get to represent your country, sing the national anthem and stand in front of the haka I think that's the greatest sporting moment you can be part of," Cronk said.

"The 17 players that have been picked to represent Australia are effectively the best players in the country. And that's nothing short of great to be a part of. It's something I never thought was possible as a kid.

"You can talk about television audiences with Origin, but in terms of the biggest moment as a rugby league player - it's standing there in the green-and-gold jersey singing the national anthem in front of the haka."

ANZAC TEST

Friday: Australia Kangaroos v New Zealand Kiwis at Canberra Stadium, 8pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Kangaroos squad: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Blake Ferguson 3. Will Chambers 4. Josh Dugan 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Johnathan Thurston 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Cameron Smith 10. David Klemmer 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Matt Gillett 13. Trent Merrin. Interchange: 14. Michael Morgan 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Jake Trbojevic 17. Sam Thaiday. Reserves: 18. Jordan McLean 19. James Maloney 20. Justin O'Neill.

New Zealand squad: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jordan Kahu, Jordan Rapana, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, David Fusitu'a, Dean Whare, Kieran Foran, Shaun Johnson, Kodi Nikorima, Jason Taumalolo, Simon Mannering, Kevin Proctor, Kenny Bromwich, Jesse Bromwich (c), Adam Blair, Elijah Taylor, Martin Taupau, Russell Packer, Issac Luke, Brandon Smith.