Lack of support from stakeholders canned Tonga v Maori match - Guess who!

[Burns]

Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/league/news/article.cfm?c_id=79&objectid=12128731

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"The proposed match between Tonga and New Zealand Māori next month is off the agenda - but expect both teams to be more involved in the international calendar in the coming years.

The test, which was set to be played in Rotorua on Friday October 12, was canned after a lack of support from stakeholders and concerns over the short time frame."
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TL;DR;

1) The RLPA - concerned on player welfare
2) NRL clubs - releasing players for the NZ Maori side
3) NRL - committing resources after getting the Tonga v Aus game secured

Oh, and for maximum laughter:
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"New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters says the proposed fixture had too many challenges.

"We are very supportive of New Zealand Māori having more games," said Peters. "But there were some issues with this game; especially the short window and the proximity to the Kiwis test match (versus Kangaroos). There were also questions raised over insurance, player workload and player release."
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Also, in kinda odd news:
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"But Peters confirmed he was working on plans for a New Zealand Māori match in 2019, aside from the All-Stars game, possibly involving another Pacific nation.

"There are a few ideas around and it looks promising," said Peters. "It's certainly something that we want to help facilitate."
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[Pommy]

Aside from the all stars game? What are selection criteria for the Māori side? I assumed the all stars game was going to be a different side with Australians of Māori decent included who wouldn’t normally play in the team.

 

[miguel de cervantes]

i can kind of understand the take the focus off the kiwi game angle.

 

[Coastbloke]

i can kind of understand the take the focus off the kiwi game angle.

Kinda too much too late..

 

[Bobby DIGital]

Aside from the all stars game? What are selection criteria for the Māori side?

To make this roopu, you've got to be able to trace your whakapapa back to Hawaiki.

 

[titoelcolombiano]

Aside from the all stars game? What are selection criteria for the Māori side? I assumed the all stars game was going to be a different side with Australians of Māori decent included who wouldn’t normally play in the team.

Yes the all star game will feature a Maori All Star team not the New Zealand Maori - different teams but you think the NZRL CEO would no that - lol