I agree with this. Kearney appears to have gone on loyalty - Fien having served the Kiwis well during his time, and also Leuluai (I don't know how his form is in the UK, admittedly).
It needs to be accepted that the UK is not seen as a viable option as far as picking players for the Kiwis. As long as it is viewed as a retirement home for NRL players, and ones who couldn't quite make it, it never will be. Whether that is right or wrong, I don't know. I don't watch Super League.
The rest of the Kiwis are back here playing in the best competition in the world against the best players in the world (including the Kangaroos, their main opposition). It's a much easier gauge for Kearney.
Well im not accepting that second point and THAT IS MY WHOLE POINT.
The NZRL/Selectors need to man up and have ability make their own call on who they think has the ability and suitable to play in the black jersey - HAND THE JOB over to somebody else.
Rangi Chase has won two big awards this year = bascially being voted as best player in the comp.
Further to that and more importnatly if you have watched him he has been class .. . he can create something out of nothing.
If they had watched Fien playing lately - he has been average and how old is he? Flick him , , Leulauai+Chase & Luke could have covered hooker.
He has done everything can to get selected (considered moving to a bigger side in Leeds to get recognised) but stuck with castleford and battled away including man of the match in the origin match.
His side is average . . . so its not like he is behind a dominant pack.
it is not JUST imo.
Rangi could have been a truly great story for NZ League.
But there is NOBODY in the MEDIA who evens questions this.
Shows ur the Gap in balanced coverage of Rugby League media.