UK Kiwis could play in ANZAC Test

[playdaball]

Rugby League: Selectors eye Robbie Paul for life-saving Anzac test role
NZ Herald

14.04.2004
By PETER JESSUP
The Kiwi selectors meet today to pencil in names for the Anzac test, with that of Bradford's Robbie Paul sure to be high on the agenda.

The Kiwis look in good shape in the run-up to the game, arguably in better shape than Australia with their rash of injuries.

But there are big holes in the crucial positions that handle the ball most - hooker, five-eighth and fullback.

Paul last played for the Kiwis on the 2002 tour of Great Britain. Kiwis coach Daniel Anderson is not keen on bringing back players who arrive just two days before a test, as has been the case with Robbie and his brother Henry in the past.

But Robbie has filled the hooker and five-eighth roles in tests before, and will be a lifesaver if he can regenerate the form that previously bothered Australian sides.

Bradford are not committed in the Super League on the test weekend and, for once, Paul could fly into Australia to join the team for its full build-up.

Other potential players at the Bulls are Logan Swann, Tevita Vaikona, Lesley Vainikolo and Shontayne Hape.

Richard Swain's Hull side are also off on test weekend, so he should be available.

Anderson said several clubs had been approached to check on the availability of players, but was cagey on whether any were English clubs."

The Warrior Kiwis fly to Sydney on Sunday and the others named by selectors that night join the team in Terrigal, on the Central Coast just south of the match venue in Newcastle, on Monday.

 

[PARRA_FAN]

It'll be interesting now we finally get to see UK based Kiwis lining up in a true test match.

Guys like Vainikolo, Paul, Vaikona thats all from Bradford, and then youve got Swain from Hull. Though I doubt they would pick him. Logan Swann played in last year's test at Aussie Stadium, and was terrible.

 

[mono_mal]

You'd think Paul would be picked due to the current weakness in the 5/8 role though Anderson seems to be reluctant to use English based players. Hopefully this will change with the players now being able to complete the whole weeks training with the team.
Vainikolo's form over the last 2 years in the Super League should be enough for him to claim a wing position as long as Anderson chooses to back the English based players. Him and Meli could prove lethal on the wings and terrorise Australia's much smaller wing options.
Vaikona is a bolter for a wing position though I think if an english player is chosen Vainikolo will get the nod, with Meli just about having a mortage on his position.
Swain is the only other player likely to be considered and it should come down to a decision between Swain and Latu at hooker. Swain could well gain selection due to his much greater experience than the young Latu.
Swann and Hape wont and should not get a look in. The strength of the Kiwis outside backs and backrowers is just too strong.
A question for anybody in the know. What is Henry Paul currently doing?
Daniel Anderson was keen to have him make an appearance for the Kiwis last year despite him playing union and Henry seemed to be quite keen on the idea as well.
Will be interesting to see if he is considered and if so he could challenge for the hooker position or even play at stand off with his brother moving to fullback. Henry could also fill the lock role with the Kiwis currently not having a specialist loose forward though its likely that a second rower will fill the void due to the current strength in the 2nd row.
Heres hoping Daniel Anderson picks the best team possible and the Kiwis make this a close test.

 

[playdaball]

Henry has just signed for Glouster RU club in the UK.