Australia coach Mal Meninga says Manly duo Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic have welcomed the distraction of being in Kangaroos camp after the brutal sacking of Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler.
Meninga described the decision to remove Hasler earlier this week - less than 12 months after taking the Sea Eagles to an NRL preliminary final - as a "sad situation".
Cherry-Evans is the club's captain and Trbojevic its spiritual leader, and the pair have a close rapport with Hasler.
The fall-out from the political infighting that cost Hasler his job has overshadowed the build-up to the Kangaroos' first game in nearly three years.
"To be frank, I think they are quite happy being here," Meninga said ahead of the Kangaroos' Rugby League World Cup opener against Fiji at Headingley on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
"They are part of a group of people who care about them and all they have to worry about is playing footy.
"It's a sad situation back home, but we can't do anything about it.
"I think leaving Jake alone is the best thing. The best thing Jake and 'Chez' can do is get out and play footy and do their best for their country."
The match against Fiji will form a key part in Meninga's decision-making over whether Cherry-Evans will maintain the halfback role ahead of Nathan Cleary.
Cleary is being rested after his exploits in the grand final for Penrith, but Meninga's side is still loaded with star power.
The Leeds locals, however, will be cheering for the underdog Fijians and Meninga said his team could expect a fair bit of sledging from the terraces at Headingley.
Australian captain James Tedesco quipped that the hostile reception was "like playing in Queensland".
Star centre Latrell Mitchell is no stranger to booing at NRL games, but Meninga tipped the South Sydney fullback to endear himself to the locals come full-time.
"In my experience, we come out and they (the English fans) boo us and then fall in love with you as the game goes on," he said.
"Hopefully, Latrell is one of those players they fall in love with because he can entertain.
"He's a great player, and he's playing in a position that he's not used to.
"But I'm sure he's one of 17 players who are really going to perform for their country."
Mitchell will renew his partnership with winger Josh Addo-Carr on the left edge in a side which contains seven debutants.
The newcomers were presented with their jerseys by Tedesco with their respective families watching online.
"It's a dream and a goal you set yourself over many years," Meninga said.
"When you actually achieve it and when you see your family as part of the ceremony and celebration of you getting your first jersey, it can be quite emotional.
"There's no harm in crying and being emotional."
Australia team: James Tedesco, Josh Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell, Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Ben Hunt, Jake Trbojevic, Angus Crichton, Jeremiah Nanai, Cameron Murray Bench: Harry Grant, Reuben Cotter, Patrick Carrigan, Jack Wighton Reserves: Matt Burton, Campbell Graham.
