Kiwis Squad for Australia Test and England Series

[Cold Roses]

https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/09/03...ng-stars-in-extended-new-zealand-kiwis-squad/

Bulldogs rookie Smith in Kiwis Test squad
Rookie Bulldogs winger Reimis Smith is poised to follow in the footsteps of his father Tyran after being named in an expanded New Zealand squad ahead of the October 13 Test against Australia and end-of-season tour to Great Britain.

Smith, who scored nine tries in 12 games for Canterbury after being promoted by Dean Pay in round 15, was among 36 players chosen by Kiwis coach Michael Maguire and selectors Mark Horo, Hugh McGahan and Tawera Nikau.

His father Tyran played 10 Tests for the Kiwis between 1996 and 2000, also represented Aotearoa Maori at the 2000 World Cup in England.

The squad contained a mixture of experience and youth, with 19-year-old Warriors second-rower Isiah Papali'i, Storm utility Jahrome Hughes and hooker Brandon Smith among the other uncapped players.

Notable selections include the return of Warriors stars Shaun Johnson, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tohu Harris and Adam Blair, who missed June's Denver Test due to personal issues, injury or suspension.

Top 5 Plays of the Week – Round 25

Melbourne prop Jesse Bromwich and Gold Coast second-rower Kevin Proctor have also been named in the wider Kiwis squad after being stood down from last year's World Cup over their involvement in an illegal drugs scandal after the 2017 ANZAC Test in Canberra.

Of the 19 players who travelled to Denver for the historic Test against England at Mile High Stadium, Newcastle hooker Slade Griffin is the only absentee after suffering a season-ending knee injury in the round 16 match against the Bulldogs.

The squad will be reduced after the NRL grand final on September 30.

Kiwis squad:

• Brisbane Broncos: Jamayne Isaako, Jordan Kahu, Kodi Nikorima
• Canberra Raiders: Jordan Rapana, Joseph Tapine
• Canterbury Bulldogs: Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Reimis Smith
• Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: Sosaia Feki
• Gold Coast Titans: Kevin Proctor
• Manly Sea Eagles: Martin Taupau
• Melbourne Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneath Bromwich, Jahrome Hughes, Brandon Smith
• Newcastle Knights: Herman Ese'ese, Danny Levi
• North Queensland Cowboys: Te Maire Martin
• Penrith Panthers: James Fisher-Harris, Corey Harawira-Naera, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Dean Whare
• St George Illawarra Dragons: Leeson Ah Mau
• Sydney Roosters: Isaac Liu, Joseph Manu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
• New Zealand Warriors: Gerard Beale, Adam Blair, Tohu Harris, Peta Hiku, Shaun Johnson, Issac Luke, Ken Maumalo, Isaiah Papali'i, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
• Wests Tigers: Esan Marsters.
  
  
  

 

[Cold Roses]

Looking forward especially to seeing who makes the England tour as development players. Over the next year or two I can see Joseph Manu, Corey Harawira-Naera, Brandon Smith, and possibly Jahrome Hughes start staking a claim.

Fisher-Harris has already put his hand up, and seems to have some pride in the jersey. He reminds me of Brendan Tuuta. Perhaps with more controlled aggression though.

With Manu and Marsters we finally have a promising center pairing coming through who specialise on separate sides of the field. May be a bit soon to play both against Australia, but I'd like to see both make the trip to England.

Papali'i making the squad is a surprise.

 

[Cold Roses]

http://nzrl.co.nz/kiwis-and-junior-kiwis-wider-squads-announced/

KIWIS AND JUNIOR KIWIS WIDER SQUADS ANNOUNCED
Today, both rookie and veteran New Zealand rugby league stars get recognition for their performances in the 2018 season with the announcement of the Kiwis and Junior Kiwis wider squads.

Kiwis Head Coach Michael Maguire and Junior Kiwis Head Coach Ezra Howe have collaborated in consultation with the Kiwis selection panel consisting of Mark Horo, Hugh McGahon and Tawera Nikau, to name the best New Zealand eligible players in the running to play in the Trans-Tasman Showdown next month.

On Saturday, 13 October the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis will come up against their Australian counterparts in a battle that will have the winner lift the Trans-Tasman Cup at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland.

This triple-header marks the first time since 2014 that players from all three representative teams will get the opportunity to run out in front of a home crowd filled with family, friends and fans. For players such as Adam Blair, pulling on the black and white jumper compares to nothing else.

“I’d represent my country any day of the week. We love playing games here at home in front of our family and friends. To see the fans turn out and sing the national anthem alongside us is something special,” says Blair.

Ahead of Maguire’s second outing at the helm of the Kiwis, his first in New Zealand, he looks forward to working with the players who can’t wait to get into Kiwis camp. The Test earlier in the year against England provided him with insights into many of the players in the wider squad and he says he’s “looking forward to the re-introduction of senior players such as Shaun Johnson, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Tohu Harris who will inject years of experience and leadership back into the squad.”

Isaiah Papali’i also finds himself in both the Kiwis and Junior Kiwis wider squads at the age of 19. His announcement in both wider squads will be the cherry on top following last night’s awards where he also picked up Warriors Rookie Player of the Year.

Joining Papali’i in the Junior Kiwis wider squad, also 19-years-old is Manase Fainu who has been impressive as starting hooker for the Manly Sea Eagles in his first year in first grade.

The Kiwis, Junior Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns (announced earlier in May following the National Women’s Tournament – view here) wider squads will be narrowed down next month ahead of the Test matches on 13 October.


Kiwis wider squad:

Brisbane Broncos: Jamayne Isaako, Jordan Kahu, Kodi Nikorima; Canberra Raiders: Jordan Rapana, Joseph Tapine; Canterbury Bulldogs: Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Reimis Smith; Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: Sosaia Feki; Gold Coast Titans: Kevin Proctor; Manly Sea Eagles: Martin Taupau; Melbourne Storm: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneath Bromwich, Jahrome Hughes, Brandon Smith; Newcastle Knights: Herman Ese’ese, Danny Levi; North Queensland Cowboys: Te Maire Martin; Penrith Panthers: James Fisher-Harris, Corey Harawira-Naera, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Dean Whare; St George Illawarra Dragons: Leeson Ah Mau; Sydney Roosters: Isaac Liu, Joseph Manu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves; New Zealand Warriors: Gerard Beale, Adam Blair, Tohu Harris, Peta Hiku, Shaun Johnson, Issac Luke, Ken Maumalo, Isaiah Papali’i, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck; Wests Tigers: Esan Marsters.

Junior Kiwis wider squad:

Brisbane Broncos: Rory Ferguson, Jordan Riki; Canberra Raiders: Paul Roache; Canterbury Bulldogs: Morgan Harper; Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: Jackson Ferris, Cruz Topaz-Aveai; Gold Coast Titans: Darius Farmer, Moeaki Fotuaika, Jaxson Paulo, Kea Pere; Manly Sea Eagles:Manase Fainu, Tevita Funa, Moses Suli; Melbourne Storm: Kayleb Milne, Junior Rutava, Kelma Tuilagi; Newcastle Knights: Pasame Saulo; North Queensland Cowboys: Peter Hola, Sean Mullany, Emry Pere, Murray Taulagi; Parramattah Eels: Tui Afualo, Dylan Brown, Haze Dunstar, Oregon Kaufusi; Penrith Panthers: Dean Blore; St George Illawarra Dragons:Steven Marsters; Sydney Roosters: Bailey Bentley-Harper; South Sydney Rabbitohs: Jesse Arthars, Mawene Hiroti, Lucky Ta’avale; New Zealand Warriors: Tom Ale, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Hayze Perham, Preston Riki, Tyler Slade, Lewis Soosemea, Paul Turner, Joseph Vuna.

 

[Burns]

The test against Australia will be an interesting litmus test.

Will RTS play? Could see the Warriors 'ruling him out'.

Who partners SJ in the halves, and which hooker tours England are probably the two largest issues for the squad.

 

[jaseg]

The test against Australia will be an interesting litmus test.

Will RTS play? Could see the Warriors 'ruling him out'.

Who partners SJ in the halves, and which hooker tours England are probably the two largest issues for the squad.

Jahrome Hughes in there somewhere please (either 1 or 6, probably 6 given the other options I see.. the alternatives at 1 look much better) - he's already the best option right now, let alone on potential. And Brandon Smith as backup to Luke at 9 (please not Danny Levi please not Danny Levi please not Danny Levi please not Danny Levi please not Danny Levi). Nikorima can be bench utility/backup half/hooker. Martin's done nothing to retain a spot.

Don't bother bringing RTS with the knee injury - either play Hughes there, or use one of DWZ/Hiku/Isaako with Hughes at 6.

Good to see Marsters there - should be first centre picked. Disappointing that Paasi got ignored in favour of that myth JWH though. Still, Taupau/Bromwich/NAS/Leeson/Ese'ese looks good through the middle... shame about Blair.

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

Yeah I liked Danny Levi when he first started playing as the Knights sets looked smooth with him there and he still offers that. But thats all he offers. I want to Brandon Smith in there. Too strong to leave out.

 

[Cold Roses]

The test against Australia will be an interesting litmus test.

Will RTS play? Could see the Warriors 'ruling him out'.

Who partners SJ in the halves, and which hooker tours England are probably the two largest issues for the squad.

DWZ had a good game earlier in the year. He's a pretty capable fill in at fullback.

Hopefully Brandon Smith gets the nod for England. He looks like he has the goods.

Nikorima and one of either TMM or Hughes for the halves. Hughes is looking like a bit of a bolter at the moment.

 

[Philip_Smith007]

New approach announcing things before the end of the NRL season.
Was it not previously announced once a team dropped out of the race?

I like this approach better.
Name then cut it down.

 

[Cold Roses]

So seems like Luke won't be in the team due to shoulder surgery next week. Increases the chance of Brandon Smith making the team which i'm in favour of.

 

[Big Marn]

So seems like Luke won't be in the team due to shoulder surgery next week. Increases the chance of Brandon Smith making the team which i'm in favour of.

yeh i like the cut of his jib.

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

So seems like Luke won't be in the team due to shoulder surgery next week. Increases the chance of Brandon Smith making the team which i'm in favour of.

Brandon should be in the 17 regardless of whether Lukes injured or not.

 

[Cloudsurfer]

I'll call it now..RTS and Harris won't play. RTS will need perhaps an op then rehab. Harris will opt out, or be held back, due to 2 ops on each knee during the season. Won't be because they don't want to but precautionary. Only surmising but good call regardless if it happens. Will build depth, be great for next year for the Warriors, and both in their prime over the next 5 years to represnt the Kiwis.

 

[Philip_Smith007]

Who has tv rights/coverage in Australia of the Kiwi games?

 

[Cold Roses]

I'll call it now..RTS and Harris won't play. RTS will need perhaps an op then rehab. Harris will opt out, or be held back, due to 2 ops on each knee during the season. Won't be because they don't want to but precautionary. Only surmising but good call regardless if it happens. Will build depth, be great for next year for the Warriors, and both in their prime over the next 5 years to represnt the Kiwis.

I think maybe Tapine is going to miss out as well due to injury? Unless he has recovered since the end of the regular season. If so its a good opportunity to get Harawira-Naera into the squad along with Proctor, who is experienced at least.

My main worry is whether the Origin powers that be get into Joseph Manus ear and convince him that he is eligible somehow. We need to get him on this tour, play him, and lock him in for our long term development.

 

[Cold Roses]

Who has tv rights/coverage in Australia of the Kiwi games?

Previous England tours have been on Foxsports. I'd imagine the Kiwis/Roos test will be Ch 9 or one of their digital channels.

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

I think maybe Tapine is going to miss out as well due to injury? Unless he has recovered since the end of the regular season. If so its a good opportunity to get Harawira-Naera into the squad along with Proctor, who is experienced at least.

My main worry is whether the Origin powers that be get into Joseph Manus ear and convince him that he is eligible somehow. We need to get him on this tour, play him, and lock him in for our long term development.

Yeah I picked Joseph Manu in my kiwis team ages ago. Well before he started to be more of the talking point that he is now.

This should be the team...

1. RTS
2. Rapana
3. Manu
4. Marsters/Kahu
5. Issako
6. Hughes
7. Nikorima
8. J. Bromwich
9. Luke
10. Taupau
11. Tapine
12. Harris
13. Liu

14. Smith
15. Fisher-Harris
16. Ese'ese
17. Asofa-Solomona

 

[Burns]

This should be the team...

Where is Shaun Johnson?

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

Where is Shaun Johnson?

Nikorima and Hughes have earn't the nod over SJ. I'll have Shaun in the squad though.

 

[Cold Roses]

Brandon should be in the 17 regardless of whether Lukes injured or not.

Nikorima and Hughes have earn't the nod over SJ. I'll have Shaun in the squad though.

Your second point comes down more to how realistic it is that Johnson actually does miss out though. Taking whether he deserves it or not out of the equation, it's pretty unlikely that he will miss out. And as a consequence, who gets the halves spots could directly affect who the hooker will be. Given that it seems likely that Luke will be having surgery and may not be there, that leaves Levi, the aforementioned Smith, and also Nikorima as likely options. If Nikorima however gets the halves spot with (let's assume) Johnson, then we'll probably have Smith sharing the role with Levi (who I don't particularly rate) Given that neither has played big minutes this year, we can probably assume neither will be trusted to play 80 mins in a test match. That's also a pretty inexperienced Dummy half pairing. If TMM gets the halves spot however, I can see one of either Levi or Smith starting the game, with Nikorima providing bench cover for both hooker and half.

In a perfect world, with no injuries I'd go Nikorima and SJ in the halves, with Luke and B Smith sharing hooking duties. So not far off your selection. I'm going to be surprised if that pans out though. I feel like injuries are going to play a big role. Likewise with your non selection of Blair. Whether I'd personally have him there or not, I'll be hugely surprised if he misses out through anything other than injury.

Should be an interesting team. What about Hughes as a smokie for fullback with DWZ back to wing if RTS gets rested by the Warriors?

 

[BuderusIsaBeast]

Did Benji retire from international footy or just not being picked. I think he would take a lot of pressure off Johnson and be a leader