Adam Blair -Northland Rugby and League,
Lewis Brown - Christchurch,
Kieran Foran - Auckland,
Alex Glenn - Auckland,
Thomas Leuluai - Warriors,
Kevin Locke - Warriors,
Shaun Johnson - Warriors,
Issac Luke - Wellington,
Sam McKendry - Northland,
Simon Mannering - Wellington,
Sika Manu - Wellington,
Steve Matai - Auckland,
Ben Matulino - Warriors,
Fuifui Moimoi - Auckland,
Russell Packer - Warriors,
Manu Vatuvei - Warriors.
Not bad considering 16 out of the 23 man squad have come through playing League in NZ. Yes, several were signed by NRL clubs but the majority of them were already in the NZRL development system (NJC).
The NZRL development system has gone remarkably professional since then - last weeks NZ U18's victory over the Aus Sch Boys shows this. Look at the JNR Kiwi squad - 80% of the players selected are from the NZRL/Warriors system.
I have nothing wrong with what England have done, its just funny how he says he is commited to England, yet 4 months ago he was talking up playing for the Kiwis. Its a shame, England reaks of desperation (like the Kiwis have before), i honestly think England look better with home grown players. They take to develop - look at the Kiwis from 2007 and 2009. It paid dividens in 2008 and 2010.
You make some good points.
However I wouldnt try and take a shot at Rangi .. .. if a maori boy who just gets awarded Man Of Steel DOESNT WANT TO PLAY FOR NZ . .. thats falls on the Kiwis or NZRL.
Maybe NZRL needs to give selected SL footage . .. or maybe buy them a mysky and series book of SL games.
Its NZRL job . .. to be in discussion with NZ top players wherever they maybe.
I hear they do lots of good camps throughout Australia
Rangi is a Junior Kiwi - dropped out of school early age - came from a small province and battled his way to be where he is.
Of Course he wants to play for the kiwis- he already has stated his desire to play for the Kiwis as you mention.
Perhaps the Kiwis / NZRL told him he wont get selected either on his talent or
He has committed longterm to the tigers/esl.
he has to play in the NRL (which would be crap).
or even worse they havent event talked to him all.
His team gets kicked out and there is no mention of him in the train-on squad and no contact.
I would say F them aswell.
Hopefully if it wasnt the last - if so it would be extremely amateur.
probably was the case though.
The Bloke gets Man of Steel - effectively meaning he is the best player in the competition surely he warrants regular or any contact.
We all know the kiwis/nzrl can spend all that time to try and CONVERT fringe-Australian born (kiwi heritage).
That would be my questions to the NZ football manager or CEO or board.
Whoever looks after that.
Finally I AGREE RE: England.
They might aswell take the red cross of their flag - because they are giving up.