Kidwell back for Kiwis, Five others added

[Murphdogg1]

Kidwell back for Kiwis


The vastly-experienced David Kidwell is among five players added to the Kiwi team on Saturday for its four-test tour of Britain and France.
South Sydney's Kidwell (30), who missed most of the NRL season after knee surgery, is joined by recalled halfback Thomas Leuluai, 2006 Kiwi debutant Epalahame Lauaki, Brisbane utility Greg Eastwood and Sydney Roosters fullback Sam Perrett, giving the Kiwis a 24-man tour party.
Perrett (22), who was born in Auckland, becomes the eighth newcomer named after seven new faces were included in the 19-man squad for the Centenary Test against the Kangaroos in Wellington on October 14.
Kidwell, Lauaki, Eastwood and Perrett assembled in Auckland when the team went into camp on Friday.
Leuluai is still in England, where he played for his Wigan side in its English Super League semi-final against Leeds at Headingley this morning. He will link up with the Kiwis when they arrive on October 16.
"We're thrilled with the quality of players we've been able to bring together for the tour," said coach Gary Kemble.
"It's great for us to be able to introduce so many new players a year out from the World Cup and we're also pleased to have a player with David's experience back in the side."
Kidwell was sidelined until South Sydney's final match of the season against Manly.
Kemble said the plan was for players not involved in the Centenary Test to play for the All Golds in their commemorative match against the Northern Union in Warrington on October 20.
"We are looking to give everyone in the squad a game before the first test against Great Britain," he said.
The Kiwis play their tests against Great Britain in Huddersfield (October 27), Hull (November 3) and Wigan (November 10). The tour finishes with a one-off test against France in Paris on November 17.
The Kiwis' final 17-man combination for the Wellington test won't be confirmed until early next week.


http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411749/1391408

 

[Skinner]

So Ben Teo didn't make it....buga.

 

[mean_maori_mean]

OMG - how did they not pick rangi chase - he can play 6,7 and 9 comfortably. they'll soon realise that halatau aint a 9.
How did they reward his good play??

Do they really think Lauaki is the future?? reh I would have teo, blair and harrison before this guy tbh.
Im not a lauaki fan - he doesnt have the right temperament. already got some tongan barnstormers in tuiaki and moimoi. I think he will be a liablity - too unpredictable.

Obviously agree with perrett a good player to be in the squad - young,versatile etc.

So do they think that smith (souths), lauaki, covell have long term future with the kiwis??

Some awful decisions: question the fitness of kidwell naturally - Eastwood must of passed his medical , there were reports that he was injured.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Chase should be in front of Leuluai.

 

[Martli]

Yeah, I'm a bit miffed as to how Chase missed out...

 

[mean_maori_mean]

Yeah, I'm a bit miffed as to how Chase missed out...

hooker/halves:

faiumu
Halatau
Smith
Roberts
Leulauai

all those guys and none of them command their position. Pretty much none of them are really any good at the position they are playing.

Worst even halves/hooker combo I've ever seen.

Though I think Halatau can perform - question is did kemble/selectors actually watch any games this year of his??? He didnt do anything at all this year - and was awful when tigers when played him at 9.

 

[Micistm]

Jeez, I though Rangi would be in the squad at least. It's funny how some players just seem to slip through the cracks. I have to reserve judgement until we see how the game next week & tour goes, but I have a feeling the 'Super Duper Performance Selection Squad' or whatever other new Buzz words the NZRL have given themselves (The same old people!) have not quite sorted themselves out yet.

 

[Martli]

hooker/halves:

faiumu
Halatau
Smith
Roberts
Leulauai

all those guys and none of them command their position. Pretty much none of them are really any good at the position they are playing.

Worst even halves/hooker combo I've ever seen.

Though I think Halatau can perform - question is did kemble/selectors actually watch any games this year of his??? He didnt do anything at all this year - and was awful when tigers when played him at 9.

I was thinking Chase would get no 6 or maybe a bench spot.

Maybe the idea with Halatau is to have him as a back rower and hooker ie Mark Ridell styles. Something tells me Faiumu fits that role too though....

 

[mean_maori_mean]

Jeez, I though Rangi would be in the squad at least. It's funny how some players just seem to slip through the cracks. I have to reserve judgement until we see how the game next week & tour goes, but I have a feeling the 'Super Duper Performance Selection Squad' or whatever other new Buzz words the NZRL have given themselves (The same old people!) have not quite sorted themselves out yet.

yep - I wonder who as actually calling the shots - kempy, howie, lowie and throw in kemble are all highly opionated people.

Doesnt his contract depend on a 85% winning records for this tour??? Or was that just his aim.

 

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

Leuluai is only there cos he lives over there and to save money on air fares for Chase

 

[Micistm]

I read in the Sunday News last week his (Kemble) contract is aimed at a 75% success rate. So expect a lot of games against anyone except Aussie.

P.S RIP ABs four more years boys. Seriously, I was cheering them on, and was gutted for them. But this sort of thing happens (And often). Shopping in malls should be easy today.

 

[mean]

P.S RIP ABs four more years boys. Seriously, I was cheering them on, and was gutted for them. But this sort of thing happens (And often). Shopping in malls should be easy today.

The kiwis win next week and it's a beginning of a revolution:sarcasm:

 

[MKEB...]

P.S RIP ABs four more years boys. Seriously, I was cheering them on, and was gutted for them. But this sort of thing happens (And often). Shopping in malls should be easy today.

I was walking down Lambton Quay on my way to work, you want to see the morose faces on all and sundry; except me of course.

Though I didnt want the ABs to lose. It was amusing to see the mass depression.