With Benji Marshall in brilliant form, Shaun Kenny-Dowall the form centre in the competition, and a strong forward pack behind them, New Zealand will be tough to beat in the Four Nations this year.
Injuries aside, the Kiwis will be formidable opposition for the Kangaroos in the tournament. With Nightingale and Vatuvei on the wings they have strike power, and at hooker with Issac Luke they have one of the best number nines in the world.
The forward pack they have is extremely big and intimidating. Asotasi, Waerea-Hargraves, Jeremy Smith, Fuifui Moimoi and Simon Mannering, just to name a few. Often a troubling area for New Zealand has been depth, but now they seem to have cover in most positions.
The loss of Manly’s Keiran Foran and Steve Matai will be felt, but they should have back up in the likes of Ben Roberts, Alex Glenn, Thomas Leulaui and Lance Hohaia.
This Kiwi team has been developing nicely in the past few years. A fantastic upset win in the 2005 Tri-Nations was followed by an equally dramatic World Cup win in 2008. While New Zealand no longer has the services of Wayne Bennett to call on, soon-to-be-announced new Parramatta boss Stephen Kearney appears to be developing into a fine coach.
With the Warriors having a great year in 2010, bucking most people’s the predictions, and the core of the Kiwi side the same for the past few years, this seems to be a team on the up.
If the likes of Marshall, Kenny-Dowall and the rest can re-create their 2010 NRL form at international level, the Kiwis will be close to favorites for the Four Nations.
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What to look out for in week two of the Pacific Championships
Brad Fittler claims widening State of Origin eligibility rules to include Australian-raised New Zealand and England players will benefit both the domestic and international game.
If you followed the recent Rugby League World Cup, you’ll probably have noted that the tournament has both passionate supporters and vocal detractors.
Since the Super League War, Rugby League has failed to cement an international calendar. The historical tours disappeared – in part due to the war but also since the English game transferred to a summer season.
With many spruiking that the pinnacle of our beloved sport is State of Origin, surely it’s time to make yet another amendment to the playbook and finally let New Zealand and English players in on the fun?
With the World Cup final just days away, I thought I’d reflect on some of the key moments and memories of the past ten…
