Hurriflatch
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Eels' Perenara prepares for a test against Johns
By Brad Walter
April 7, 2006
PARRAMATTA rookie Marcus Perenara has been nominated by New Zealand coach Brian McClennan as a possible bolter to play opposite Andrew Johns as the Kiwis' halfback in the Anzac Test.
With Stacey Jones out with a broken arm and Lance Hohaia stranded in New Zealand's domestic competition after being axed from the Warriors' line-up, McClennan has few options at No.7 and will closely monitor the form of Perenara before the May 5 Test at Suncorp Stadium.
A former Junior Kiwis representative recommended to the Eels by former Warriors and New Zealand coach Daniel Anderson, Perenara will make his NRL debut from the interchange bench in Sunday's match against Penrith after asking during the off-season to switch to hooker because of Tim Smith's hold on Parramatta's No.7 jersey.
But with PJ Marsh out injured, the 20-year-old brother of former Kiwis international Henry Perenara is also expected to spend some time at five-eighth. McClennan revealed he had made some inquiries at Parramatta about his prospects.
"We don't have a lot of halfbacks, we just don't," McClennan said. "We could look at Lance as a No.9 and a back up No.7, but I think you've got to be playing NRL or Super League to play in a Test.
"I know Marcus and I know the Perenara family very well. He is a good young kid so it's good to see that he's been thriving under the guidance of Brian Smith and what is a very successful development program at Parramatta.
"If he can play four or five NRL games and play well, he is a chance, a very good chance. I just think it is too great a step from anywhere else. We've had bolters in the Kiwi side before and I wouldn't rule out that happening again."
Among other options being considered are shifting Wests Tigers five-eighth Benji Marshall to halfback or flying out London's Thomas Leuluai to play on limited rest (the Harlequins play on the Saturday before the Test).
http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/e...t-against-johns/2006/04/06/1143916655303.html
INteresting if it does happen
but TBH to write something like this 2 days before his debut is pretty poor.