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Wing out to launch bid for NSW No.7
Monday, January 14, 2008 - 4:47 PM
Star South Sydney recruit Craig Wing is ready to shake off his utility tag and stake a claim for the NSW halfback jersey in the upcoming NRL season.
Returning to the Rabbitohs after eight seasons with the Sydney Roosters, Wing, 28, is set for a permanent switch to the halves under coach Jason Taylor.
He impressed in a stint at No.7 for the Roosters last season and is hoping the chance to play consistently in one position can help resurrect his representative career.
Wing has made 10 State of Origin and 16 Test appearances, mostly off the bench or at hooker.
Since Andrew Johns' retirement no player has been able to make the NSW halfback spot their own and strong early-season form would put Wing firmly in the mix with other candidates including Jarrod Mullen, Matt Orford and Brett Kimmorley.
"Looking back across my career, because I've had that utility thing and I've played a number of positions every year, I've found it quite hard to sort of compete for a (representative) starting spot in any one position," Wing told AAP.
"But if that (the NSW halfback spot) does come around then it would be something that would definitely be a highlight of my career.
"I really enjoyed my stint in the halves at the Roosters and certainly something I'm looking forward to for this year."
Wing was overlooked for last year's series despite his strong form with the Roosters but said the omission had only made him hungrier.
"Last year on my form I was kind of hopeful that I might be a chance of making the NSW team and was hoping the selectors hadn't forgotten about me," Wing said.
"I felt I had a good year last year and finished off the end of the year better and better so if I can continue that this year than certainly I'm in contention to play rep footy again."
Wing, along with Souths co-captains Roy Asotasi and David Kidwell, helped official launch the Rabbitohs' upcoming promotional visit to the US, during which they will play a trial match against world club champions Leeds in Jacksonville, Florida on January 26.
The tour, run as part of the G'Day USA: Australia Week promotion, is designed to promote both rugby league and Sydney as a tourist destination.
But it will also include a 10-day training camp at the University of North Florida and Wing said it would be a crucial part of the Rabbitohs' pre-season.
"Going over there I don't think we're looking at it as all fun and games," Wing said.
"It's going to be a great trip and a great experience but we're also going to be very mindful of the fact that once the new year ticks over, before you know it you're playing the first game of the season.
"There's certainly a lot more work to be covered before the season starts."
Source: AAP
Wing out to launch bid for NSW No.7
Monday, January 14, 2008 - 4:47 PM
Star South Sydney recruit Craig Wing is ready to shake off his utility tag and stake a claim for the NSW halfback jersey in the upcoming NRL season.
Returning to the Rabbitohs after eight seasons with the Sydney Roosters, Wing, 28, is set for a permanent switch to the halves under coach Jason Taylor.
He impressed in a stint at No.7 for the Roosters last season and is hoping the chance to play consistently in one position can help resurrect his representative career.
Wing has made 10 State of Origin and 16 Test appearances, mostly off the bench or at hooker.
Since Andrew Johns' retirement no player has been able to make the NSW halfback spot their own and strong early-season form would put Wing firmly in the mix with other candidates including Jarrod Mullen, Matt Orford and Brett Kimmorley.
"Looking back across my career, because I've had that utility thing and I've played a number of positions every year, I've found it quite hard to sort of compete for a (representative) starting spot in any one position," Wing told AAP.
"But if that (the NSW halfback spot) does come around then it would be something that would definitely be a highlight of my career.
"I really enjoyed my stint in the halves at the Roosters and certainly something I'm looking forward to for this year."
Wing was overlooked for last year's series despite his strong form with the Roosters but said the omission had only made him hungrier.
"Last year on my form I was kind of hopeful that I might be a chance of making the NSW team and was hoping the selectors hadn't forgotten about me," Wing said.
"I felt I had a good year last year and finished off the end of the year better and better so if I can continue that this year than certainly I'm in contention to play rep footy again."
Wing, along with Souths co-captains Roy Asotasi and David Kidwell, helped official launch the Rabbitohs' upcoming promotional visit to the US, during which they will play a trial match against world club champions Leeds in Jacksonville, Florida on January 26.
The tour, run as part of the G'Day USA: Australia Week promotion, is designed to promote both rugby league and Sydney as a tourist destination.
But it will also include a 10-day training camp at the University of North Florida and Wing said it would be a crucial part of the Rabbitohs' pre-season.
"Going over there I don't think we're looking at it as all fun and games," Wing said.
"It's going to be a great trip and a great experience but we're also going to be very mindful of the fact that once the new year ticks over, before you know it you're playing the first game of the season.
"There's certainly a lot more work to be covered before the season starts."
Source: AAP
