Madge's big choice, Sua's difficult second album and Tito's new job: The big questions for Pacific Champs Round 2
What to look out for in week two of the Pacific Championships
Young Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has made the final 19 for a New Zealand debut in Friday’s rugby league Test against Australia.
Johnson has been selected for the Eden Park match following injury concerns with Manly playmaker Kieran Foran.
The 21-year-old has created a big impression since his NRL debut last year but wasn’t sure he would be in the Kiwis team this soon.
“You’ve got to aim high, and I don’t think it gets any higher than playing for your country,” Johnson said.
He played a big part in the Warriors’ 44-22 win over South Sydney on Sunday and hoped he could translate that form to Test level.
“Hopefully not too much has to change. I’ll be playing against players I play against week in, week out. I’ll keep it as simple as possible.”
Brisbane fullback Josh Hoffman, North Queensland second-rower Jason Taumalolo and Melbourne prop Jess Bromwich have also been included.
The selectors have yet to name a starting line-up.
Frank Pritchard was included after reaffirming his allegiance after a brief flirtation with Samoa.
New Zealand: Gerard Beale (Brisbane), Adam Blair (Wests Tigers), Jess Bromwich (Melbourne), Nathan Fien (St George-Illawarra), Alex Glenn (Brisbane), Josh Hoffman (Brisbane), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Sydney Roosters), Issac Luke (South Sydney), Simon Mannering (Warriors), Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers, capt), Ben Matulino (Warriors), Sam McKendry (Penrith), Jason Nightingale (St George-Illawarra), Frank Pritchard (Canterbury), Jeremy Smith (Cronulla), Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland), Manu Vatuvei (Warriors), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters).
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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…