Finding the best position for Sonny Bill Williams is one of the more pleasant conundrums for Kiwis rugby league coach Steven Kearney to consider before he names his squad for the Anzac Test in Canberra next Friday.
Williams should be unveiled on Sunday among Kearney’s 19-strong list to play his first Test since 2008.
Interest surrounds whether the 27-year-old stays in the second row, where he has shone for the Sydney Roosters in his return to the NRL this season.
New Zealand’s lack of depth at centre, exacerbated by the suspension of Krisnan Inu, may see Williams employed in the sort of wide attacking role where he thrived in rugby union.
Kearney has a host of second-row options. It seems one of those slots will be filled by either Williams or new captain Simon Mannering, with the other likely to be fielded at centre.
Williams played most of his seven Tests from 2004-08 either off the interchange bench or in the forwards before exiting the 13-man code.
He has added bulk since then, which may see him preferred up front while Warriors skipper Mannering lines up in the centres alongside Dean Whare or Shaun Kenny-Dowall.
The absence of Inu and injured backs Benji Marshall and Gerard Beale will have Kearney and fellow-selectors Tony Iro, Richie Barnett and Tawera Nikau hoping no more injuries strike this weekend.
New Zealand haven’t won an Anzac Test since 1998 and are winless against Australia in their last five meetings since the Four Nations final of 2010.
Brisbane fullback Josh Hoffman, Canterbury winger Sam Perrett and St George Illawarra Dragons wide man Jason Nightingale are probable starters out wide if lively Sydney Roosters teenager Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is overlooked
Marshall’s absence should pave the way for halfback Shaun Johnson to link with Manly’s Kieran Foran in the halves.
Another Warrior, Thomas Leuluai, could act as back-up for the playmaking pair and starting hooker Issac Luke.
Kearney has no shortage of in-form big men at his disposal, with Melbourne Storm’s Jesse Bromwich, Warrior Ben Matulino and Rooster Jared Waerea-Hargreaves the propping front-runners.
Missing will be injured Bulldogs powerhouse Sam Kasiano from the starting side who lost 18-10 to the Kangaroos in Townsville last October.
The experience of Jeremy Smith and Frank Pritchard may see them hold off a host of others to fill out the rest of the pack.
Possible staring 13: Josh Hoffman, Sam Perrett, Dean Whare, Simon Mannering, Jason Nightingale, Keiran Foran, Shaun Johnson, Jeremy Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Frank Pritchard, Ben Matulino, Issac Luke, Jesse Bromwich.
Willy D
Guest
STuff the Broncos sonny, come to the cows!! You thurston tamou and bowen, we'll be guaranteed a premiership!!
oikee
Guest
I would have that young T-Shreck dude at the Roosters,on the wing if he is eligible for the Kiwis. Him and Sonny Bill are on fire. Talking about Sonny Bill. The NRL, needs to keep this guy in the game, and if that means money, then pay it, because he is a superstar and why should Rugby get the benifit of his next 5 years. The Roosters crowd is not really worthy of such a talent, he should either go to the Storm or Broncos, even the Warriors would be better to have him play in front of 30, 40 even 50 thousand crowds rahter than 10 thousand at the Roosters. Pay him whatever it takes, 1, 1.5, even 2 million a season. The Broncos can afford that sort of money, the Warriors could also afford this sort of cash. Pay it, he is a ripper. If money talks, then Sonny will walk, straight into the Broncos hands with Kearney on the staff, i can see him go to another level in front of sold out crowds. 50 thousand Sonny, you will never get those crowds in sydney, he cant even get that with 2 of the top Sydney teams, 22 k compared to 43 for a Broncos clash. The Broncos are waiting for ya sonny, sign on the dotted line and feel the love. hehe
Johnno
Guest
Not the best kiwi side ever but if that side turns out it is very solid, will be a good game vs the aussies.