NRL coaches reject idea of 28,000km trek to play mid-year England, New Zealand Test
DAVID RICCIO, CHIEF SPORTS WRITER, The Daily Telegraph
February 17, 2018 8:00pm
THE NRL’S biggest names would need sideline oxygen masks and feel like their lungs are on the verge of exploding if a one-off Test in the US goes ahead.
The seemingly futile proposal, which is on the brink of being rejected by NRL clubs, involves New Zealand and England playing a Test match in Denver — the highest altitude city in America — during the June 22-24 stand-alone weekend.
The radical plan, orchestrated by promoters Moore Sports, is being supported by the NZRL.
The Test is being pitched as an opportunity to promote rugby league ahead of the 2025 World Cup, which will be held in North America.
However, several NRL coaches have told The Sunday Telegraph that the US-Test is also an attempt by the NZRL to lure World Cup Tongan-defectors Jason Taumaolo, Manu Ma’u, David Fusitu’a, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Tui Lolohea, Solomone Kata and Konrad Hurrell back to New Zealand.
The US Test proposal was raised at last week’s NRL CEO’s conference.
Such was the lukewarm response from the clubs, the NRL have requested a detailed plan from the promoters on how they intend to ensure the safety of every player who takes part in the Test and what impact the 28,000km round-trip would have on their recovery and ability to resume with their clubs within days of their return.
NRL stars including St George-Illawarra duo James Graham and Gareth Widdop, Canberra’s Elliot Whitehead and South Sydney’s Burgess brothers Sam, Thomas and George would all be expected to be chosen for England.
The Kiwis would look to select Melbourne’s Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Canterbury’s Kieran Foran, Wests Tigers duo Russell Packer and Elijah Taylor, Canberra’s Jordan Rapana and Joseph Tapine and a host of Warriors including Shaun Johnson, Simon Mannering, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Adam Blair and Gerard Beale.
Denver is nicknamed the Mile High City because it is exactly one mile — or 1,609-metres — above sea level.
In comparison, Australia’s Mt Kosciuszko is just 800-metres higher.
It’s been suggested that Denver’s sky-high altitude rages a war on visitor’s bodies.
Since 1975, the Denver Broncos have boasted the best home record in the NFL.
Since 2003, the Denver Nuggets have the fourth-best home record in the NBA yet rank 13th in away record.
Tom Brady, New York Patriots and NFL great has a career record of 4-7 at Denver’s Mile High Stadium — where the US Test is proposed to be played.
It’s his worst winning percentage at any venue.
Andray Blatche visited Denver as a member of the Brooklyn Nets.
“I thought my lungs were going to explode … I thought I ran about 10 miles,’’ he told the New York Daily News.
Former NBA player and coach Byron Scott said he was “dying” and felt like he “needed (an) oxygen mask” when he played his first game in Denver.
Even NBA legend Le Bron James struggled in Denver saying; “The altitude is nothing to play with, you feel yourself gasping.’’
While England coach Wayne Bennett is a supporter of the Test, the Warriors have already gone public with their concerns.
“We haven’t had any confirmation of the Kiwis participating in it,” Warriors CEO Cameron George told the New Zealand press last week.
“Secondly, if that’s coming, we’ll be requesting all the details right through from travel details to player insurance for the United States.
“Welfare is critical but as I’ve said previously, we totally support international rugby league and the game getting wider exposure.”
The RLPA are also involved in the decision on whether the Test goes ahead.
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