Why is there little interest in the Kiwis in this forum?

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

2008 better ?

This season was better
I think its because of the sh1t the Warriors have dished up the last few years. Plus i think the vibe was better this season with the Up the Wahs movement capturing the public add the fact that the All Blacks bombed during 2023 it felt like everyone was behind us.
Then seeing the Kiwis in the sheds after the game, CNK crying after getting MOM it just made me really proud to be represented by these guys in the jersey

 

[Penrose Warrior]

2008 better ?

Yes. The win in Melbourne, the win at home over the Roosters, plus the World Cup triumph, 100% the best year.

 

[jim_57]

Saw this on the Shark’s forum, thought I’d put it here as NZ would be the big winner from this going forward.


The NRL is pondering the biggest State of Origin eligibility shake-up in its history, in a move that could open the door for players from tier-one nations England and New Zealand.


One of Michael Maguire’s first jobs as NSW coach will be to provide advice on an overhaul of the State of Origin eligibility rules.

ARL Commissioner Wayne Pearce wants to be in position to put forward a plan for Origin’s future early in 2024, with a view to having new rules in place for next year’s series.

The biggest bone of contention is whether Origin should be open to players who meet the state guidelines but have pledged their allegiance to tier one nations England and New Zealand.

The rule change would allow the likes of Victor Radley to wear a Blues jersey despite playing their international football for the Poms.

Pearce wants to speak to the Origin coaches, which means Maguire and Billy Slater will have direct input into the future of the respective jerseys and who wears them.

Proposed Origin eligibility rule changes means players like Victor Radley could represent NSW despite pledging his international allegiance to England. Picture: Getty Images

Interestingly, Maguire may have been conflicted had he retained the New Zealand job. His only concern now is NSW and you suspect Maguire would be keen to have the option of selecting Radley if possible, particularly given the way the Blues have performed in recent years.

Likewise, Slater could suddenly have Jason Taumalolo at his disposal if the rules are changed Origin is opened up to a new group of players.

The issue has been a discussion point for years but ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys has charged Pearce with plotting a way forward, while at the same time ensuring the Origin concept isn’t diluted.

Maguire also came to the rescue of international rugby league this week when he personally chauffeured the Golden Boot back from New Zealand.

The award will be presented this week and Maguire carried it in his luggage across the Tasman before handing it over to officials when he arrived at NSW Rugby League headquarters for the press conference to officially unveil him as Blues boss.

 

[jim_57]

Saw this on the Shark’s forum, thought I’d put it here as NZ would be the big winner from this going forward.


The NRL is pondering the biggest State of Origin eligibility shake-up in its history, in a move that could open the door for players from tier-one nations England and New Zealand.


One of Michael Maguire’s first jobs as NSW coach will be to provide advice on an overhaul of the State of Origin eligibility rules.

ARL Commissioner Wayne Pearce wants to be in position to put forward a plan for Origin’s future early in 2024, with a view to having new rules in place for next year’s series.

The biggest bone of contention is whether Origin should be open to players who meet the state guidelines but have pledged their allegiance to tier one nations England and New Zealand.

The rule change would allow the likes of Victor Radley to wear a Blues jersey despite playing their international football for the Poms.

Pearce wants to speak to the Origin coaches, which means Maguire and Billy Slater will have direct input into the future of the respective jerseys and who wears them.

Proposed Origin eligibility rule changes means players like Victor Radley could represent NSW despite pledging his international allegiance to England. Picture: Getty Images

Interestingly, Maguire may have been conflicted had he retained the New Zealand job. His only concern now is NSW and you suspect Maguire would be keen to have the option of selecting Radley if possible, particularly given the way the Blues have performed in recent years.

Likewise, Slater could suddenly have Jason Taumalolo at his disposal if the rules are changed Origin is opened up to a new group of players.

The issue has been a discussion point for years but ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys has charged Pearce with plotting a way forward, while at the same time ensuring the Origin concept isn’t diluted.

Maguire also came to the rescue of international rugby league this week when he personally chauffeured the Golden Boot back from New Zealand.

The award will be presented this week and Maguire carried it in his luggage across the Tasman before handing it over to officials when he arrived at NSW Rugby League headquarters for the press conference to officially unveil him as Blues boss.

To break it down the following Origin players would become eligible for NZ as they’ve yet to play for another tier 1.

Fotuaika (NZ Born)
Walsh (Parent)
Luai (Parent)
Paulo (NZ Born)
Utoikamanu (NZ Born)
Molo (NZ Born)
Su’a (NZ Born)

Ponga, Nanai, Papalii Taulagi etc not eligible since they have repped Australia in a test or 9’s in the case of Ponga. Going forward these type of players wouldn’t have to chose one or the other which would be a big change.

The following players would become eligible for Origin:
Radley (England/NSW)
Taumalolo (NZ/QLD)
Fonua-Blake (NZ/NSW)
Nikora (NZ/QLD)

There would be more technically but none that are a chance that I can see.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Obviously I’m biased but I think that would be way overdue. Origin traditionally has set eligibility rules which shouldn’t have anything to do with national allegiance. The requirement that players can’t rep NZ or GB has always queered the pitch in Australia’s favour.

 

[jim_57]

Obviously I’m biased but I think that would be way overdue. Origin traditionally has set eligibility rules which shouldn’t have anything to do with national allegiance. The requirement that players can’t rep NZ or GB has always queered the pitch in Australia’s favour.

It’s at the stage now where most NZ born players who move before 13 seem to pick Origin, look no further than the Mulitalo situation to see the pull Origin has now.

Nikora is the only current Kiwi who’s come through recently who could have played Origin by the looks. On the other hand there are players like Taulagi, Nanai, Fotuaika & Utoikamanu who are born in NZ and picking Origin. Not saying they would all play for the Kiwis if given the chance but I’d imagine at least some of those and the likes of Ponga or Papalii would have.

 

[Meth]

To the original question, I think it's the timing of the international window. I enjoy an off-season from the forum and from the sport tbh. Summer is for cricket. I'm interested in Rugby League between March and October.

 

[Wheeled Warrior]

Bad leadership. Simple. The NRL/ARL are the main culprits and then you got drongos at the NZRL and RLIF (If that is still around) how long has the beautiful game of RL been run by monkeys? We know the saying RL shoots itself in the foot has been floating around for way too long. Shit I reckon band a few of us together and we could do better lol

 

[Philip_Smith007]

Since joining this forum I've been bemused as to the lack of support/following for the Kiwis (@Philip_Smith007 excluded as he always posts the Kiwis). In fact I actually joined because it's a NZRL forum. But, in all honesty a rugby forum I go to has more discussion about the Kiwis than on here.

But, it genuinely disappoints me how little engagement the Kiwis get in this forum. I'm country before club. I grew up watching the Kiwis through the 80s and 90s, they're the reason I started playing league. Olsen Filipaina, Dean Bell, Clayton Friend, James Leuluai, Kevin Iro etc are the my old heroes. When the Warriors have lots of Australian players I find my interest wanes a lot quicker when they have dud seasons.

I'm not angling for a shitfight. I'm just wondering why there is so little interest in the Kiwis on here. If you prefer club over country that's your choice.

Sorry I was away in the US during our latest successful campaign. Have watched a Kayo mini of the game after being spoilt.
Disappointed with the turnout in the old home town of Hamilton, but understand after the beating the week before.

 

[Matua]

It’s at the stage now where most NZ born players who move before 13 seem to pick Origin, look no further than the Mulitalo situation to see the pull Origin has now.

Nikora is the only current Kiwi who’s come through recently who could have played Origin by the looks. On the other hand there are players like Taulagi, Nanai, Fotuaika & Utoikamanu who are born in NZ and picking Origin. Not saying they would all play for the Kiwis if given the chance but I’d imagine at least some of those and the likes of Ponga or Papalii would have.

One of the best things about the success of our current team was how homegrown they were - not many heritage picks.

 

[JJ]

Gotta love JFH winning the Golden Boot...

 

[idunno]

The NRL, as an organisation, are killing international league.

 

[Meth]

I've been thinking about this old thread a bit. Beyond checking the scores, I haven't been interested at all in the Pacific Championships. Not even last year.

Maybe it's a bit to do with the timing- things get busy and there's other sport I'd rather spend my time watching. As I said earlier, it's at a point in the year where my interest in League has exhausted and I'm more interested in the All Blacks and Test cricket.

Maybe it's to do with the side- tbh, it's hard to get excited about a Kiwis team with a halves combination that would be makeshift in the Warriors and Phoenix Crossland at hooker.

Whatever the case, I think International League just lost me a while ago. Gone are the days where I'd look forward to the game all week and make plans around it. I'm just now at the stage where it's like ODI cricket to me. If it's on the tv, I'll have a look, maybe.

 

[JJ]

I've been thinking about this old thread a bit. Beyond checking the scores, I haven't been interested at all in the Pacific Championships. Not even last year.

Maybe it's a bit to do with the timing- things get busy and there's other sport I'd rather spend my time watching. As I said earlier, it's at a point in the year where my interest in League has exhausted and I'm more interested in the All Blacks and Test cricket.

Maybe it's to do with the side- tbh, it's hard to get excited about a Kiwis team with a halves combination that would be makeshift in the Warriors and Phoenix Crossland at hooker.

Whatever the case, I think International League just lost me a while ago. Gone are the days where I'd look forward to the game all week and make plans around it. I'm just now at the stage where it's like ODI cricket to me. If it's on the tv, I'll have a look, maybe.

Agree - the old days of tours were much more interesting for me... but that's long gone, in union too

 

[sup42]

The problem is that the Australian NRL media control the narrative.

Ïn this day and age the only hype that the Kiwis will attract depends on the NRL commentators.

So without a Sonny Bill, or a Benji Marshall, or a young Shaun Johnson who the NRL media wank on about, the Kiwis low profile squads do not get the loyal support of NZ fans they should.

The rule is simple, any man who pulls on a black jumper has earned your respect just by making it to the dream, the NZ team.

But stupid NZ fans are too thick to create value in the Black and white for themselves despite who is named on a Roster or who is picked as coach.

For mine they could pick bloody Jenny Shipley to play for the Kiwis and She would have my viewership and voice on the side line.

Kiwis suck. They are fair weather Tic tock supporters waiting for Matt Nable, Phil Gould, and Andrew Voss, to give their team the sign off with growls and hyperbole.

A nation of sheep waiting to be told by Australians what worth watching.

If you understand League you understand that NZ has a pool of less than two hundred people vs a pools of thousands and thousands of Australians. That alone should have seen this baby Kiwis side celebrated for punching above their weight. Any Kiwis side is massively out gunned. But the fans here are too dumb to understand the reality of what League is.
Years of exposure to NRL will not show them the realities of visiting any Auckland Rugby league club on a weekend and seeing a few hundred people struggling in run down facilities.

It does my head in that Kiwis have never understood how poor this sport is and that it is incredible that it even competes in the space it has.

Excuse the rant, but being a patriot in Rugby league is a conscious choice to park your expectations and back the losers, back the strugglers, back the minnows because the cause is greater than yourself and your sports ego.

I know I sound like a fanatic. That would be because I am a fanatic and un apologetic about it which is what happens when you spend your life trying to make it into the kiwis and have family who did.

 

[Matua]

I still don't get it, I love the Kiwis, even when they are poorly coached and selected like now. And in all honesty Crossland was one of the bright spots for the team this year. It was great seeing McClean commit to NZ and then play a blinder. And I'm f-ing gutted we didn't make the final, we should have.

The Kiwis are representative of NZ, the Warriors are a club of some NZers and others. If I had to choose between not being able to ever watch the Warriors again or not ever being able to watch the Kiwis again I'm throwing the Warriors away without a second thought.

Maybe it's a reflection of me watching the Kiwis as a kid in the 80s before the Winfield Cup was big here so that's my league grounding.

FYI - not really throwing shade on anyone else, you do you. Just how I feel and it genuinely disappoints me how little test league and the NZ team supported.

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

I've been thinking about this old thread a bit. Beyond checking the scores, I haven't been interested at all in the Pacific Championships. Not even last year.

Maybe it's a bit to do with the timing- things get busy and there's other sport I'd rather spend my time watching. As I said earlier, it's at a point in the year where my interest in League has exhausted and I'm more interested in the All Blacks and Test cricket.

Maybe it's to do with the side- tbh, it's hard to get excited about a Kiwis team with a halves combination that would be makeshift in the Warriors and Phoenix Crossland at hooker.

Whatever the case, I think International League just lost me a while ago. Gone are the days where I'd look forward to the game all week and make plans around it. I'm just now at the stage where it's like ODI cricket to me. If it's on the tv, I'll have a look, maybe.

I know I can't "disagree" with you when you are literally just describing your own behaviours and feelings, but...I just don't really think this is "justified". Or perhaps to put it better, I reckon it's more a "you" thing than something inherent to international RL.

Most international RL has been played in October - November for at least 20 years now, and the Kiwis struggling to put out anything close to a full strength squad for end of season tournaments has been an issue for at least as long. I'm not sure how far back the "good old days" are for you, but we used to beat Australia with the Anderson brothers, Nigel Vagana, Sione Faumuina, Motu Tony etc in the spine. We used to squeeze in whatever fringe first-graders we could find to make up a team.

Aside from my bugbear (which I know I'm boring everyone shitless with) about Tonga and Samoa actually hurting the international game by poaching Kiwi and Aussie players, I don't think anything was significantly different this year to most other years in terms of qualify of sides, tournament structure etc.

When I say it's a "you" problem, I'm not having a go at you specifically, because I know disillusionment with international RL is widespread. I just look at the history, in terms of number of games, when they were played, results, tournament structure etc, and objectively not that much has changed.

It seems more like international RL has stayed the same and at some point that became not good enough for people, for whatever reason? Like at some point perception changed from "let's beat those Aussies and Poms" to "haha international RL sucks there are only 3 or 4 competitive teams". It wasn't so much the product that changed, as expectations.

Maybe it's to do with more access to a wider array of international sport? An improvement in international Union? Something broader about NZers having a less insular perspective and developing more of a cultural cringe about more local or smaller scale sport?

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

I wonder if the better explanation is more to do with the shift of all elite non-Warriors players to Australia. NZ/Aus/Tonga/Samoa now basically means a pool of players who live in Australia and moved to Australia no later than their teens, just divided up into 4 teams. It makes sense that that would reduce the fan connection to the Kiwis, compared to as recently as the 80s when NZ v Australia largely meant "Local NZ players vs Local Aus players".

The only exceptions to this are of course Kiwi Warriors players - they are the only NZ-based elite players we have, so that's consistent with people having greater engagement with the Warriors than the Kiwis.

 

[Meth]

I know I can't "disagree" with you when you are literally just describing your own behaviours and feelings, but...I just don't really think this is "justified". Or perhaps to put it better, I reckon it's more a "you" thing than something inherent to international RL.

Yes I would accept that. I guess I’m just wondering, how did it happen? How and when did the Kiwis lose me?

 

[Meth]

If you understand League you understand that NZ has a pool of less than two hundred people vs a pools of thousands and thousands of Australians. That alone should have seen this baby Kiwis side celebrated for punching above their weight. Any Kiwis side is massively out gunned.

I resonate with that. I guess at some point, I just got sick of watching us get beaten more often than not.